The Clerk/Treasurer has filed the 2016-17 Tentative Budget. The proposed budget is compliant with NYS property Tax Cap Legislation and raises taxes by 1.42%. There is a Public Hearing scheduled for April 4, 2016 at 7PM.
The Tentative Budget for 2016-17 reflects a tax rate of $298.96 per thousand of assessed valuation, an increase of $4.19 per thousand, up 1.42% over last year. For a property owner with an assessed valuation of $20,000, the Tentative Budget represents an increase in Village taxes of approximately $84.
It has been 5 years since the NYS Tax Levy Cap legislation went into effect and this year’s cap of 0.12% is the lowest since its inception. Due to prudent budgeting in past years and strong operating results this year, the Village is again compliant with the tax cap which will qualify residents for a rebate under Property Tax Freeze Legislation. This is achievable with the utilization of $95,858 (a little over half) of our prior year carryover levy since the Village has been below the cap every year.
In aggregate, expenditures are up $278,982 (1.68%). Of this, $61,418 is attributed to increased debt service payments, $144,207 in health insurance, $98,000 in escalating worker’s compensation insurance and $10,000 for increased Volunteer Fire Department Service Awards benefits. Other increases include $30,000 for Recreation and Park operations, $7,000 for “Slow Down Irvington” initiatives, $4,300 for financial program upgrades, and $8,900 for general liability insurance increases. There are also provisions for raises for Police and CSEA union contracts that are under negotiations and non-union employees yet to be determined.
Offsetting these increased costs is an anticipated savings of $143,000 in NYS Retirement contributions, $52,500 in energy costs as a result of lower prices and the installation of LED street light fixtures, $70,000 due to lower certiorari settlements, and $10,000 savings in dental insurance premiums.
Budgeted revenues have increased an aggregate of $55,000 (.33%) reflecting this year’s growth of mortgage tax, sales tax, and increased recreation program fees. This past year, the Village experienced unanticipated revenues for film permits of over $100,000, an additional $47,000 of FEMA aid for Hurricane Sandy, and $60,000 due to strong Building Department activity. Coupled with lower than budgeted tax grievance settlements and lower retirement contributions, the Village will be able to pass along the benefits to the taxpayers by the appropriation of $175,550 of the anticipated Fund Balance growth.
Village costs for water continue to rise from our wholesale supplier, New York City, who is proposing to increase rates in July 2016 by 4.6%. The impact plus increased overhead costs will result in a 3% increase in water and sewer rates. The water fund continues to make great strides in reducing the long-standing deficit while providing quality water and service.
The budget process has focused on maintaining the current level of services to the public while maintaining Village infrastructure, buildings and parks. It has been a particular challenge to comply with the nearly flat tax cap and budget for unavoidable anticipated cost increases. With the cooperation of our Department Heads, I feel that this Tentative Budget, once again, is fiscally responsibility and sustainable on a long-term basis. I would like to thank Clerk/Treasurer Brenda Jeselnik for all of her help preparing this budget and for all that she does every day monitoring costs and providing the Board of Trustees with the reports we need to make informed decisions.
A public budget hearing will be held Monday, April 4, 2016 at 7 p.m. in Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend. Comments may also be submitted by letter addressed to Lawrence Schopfer, Village Administrator, 85 Main Street, Irvington, NY or by email to lschopfer@irvingtonny.gov.
Sincerely,
Brian C. Smith
Mayor