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Blog Entry 15 of 16 Supervisor's Column

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2008 Tentative Budget

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Contributed by: Steven Walters on 10/2/2007

Yesterday, the 2008 Tenative Budget was officially filed. Cutting right to the chase, the proposed budget presents a 0.54% tax cut for town residents outside the village and a 1.12% tax increase for residents in the village. The main reason for the difference in the two rates is the town's assumption of the safety inspection services that occurred from the merger with the villages.

The proposed budget also presents a long term financial plan for the town, which include significant debt reduction. This should further help to stabilize the tax rate for future years.

Some of the more significant changes and highlights included in the 2008 are:

• During 2008, all remaining Town operated sewer district operations will be turned over to Erie County Department of Environment and Planning. This consolidation of sewer service into an entity that provides such services on a regional basis will provide both short and long-term cost savings. Additionally, the consolidation of many individual districts will provide administrative savings and insure small districts from significant cost fluctuations when repairs are required.

• During 2008, the Town will provide safety inspection on a town-wide basis. With the passage of new legislation, which was supported by the Town and the Villages of Hamburg and Blasdell, we can provide building, fire and other inspection services throughout the Town (rather than just outside the village areas). This allows us to enhance Town expertise and service levels, with the addition of one new full-time employee, while relieving the Villages of such burden.

• The 2008 budget recognizes a new revenue source in the General Fund entitled "Video Lottery Terminal" revenue, which is the result of State legislation to assist the Town in defraying costs associated with having such establishment in our Town and to minimize or reduce real property tax burdens. We have taken great caution to utilize such anticipated proceeds in a responsible manner such that it reduces current costs and also provides long-term benefits. A significant portion of the proceeds will be used to pay off all General Fund bond anticipation notes outstanding; thereby, reducing future debt principal due, interest expense and administrative cost and burden.

• The Highway Fund includes a $100,000 increase over the prior year for road repairs and a $36,000 increase for bridge repair and maintenance. While it is difficult to increase appropriations, we believe maintaining infrastructure is important as it affects both the safety of our residents and potential future economic opportunities.

• The Police Department, Emergency Management Team and Water Rescue budgets were all enhanced during 2008 for equipment needs. As always, we have placed a premium on the safety of our residents. Much of these increases will be utilized to update and improve equipment that has become outdated and ineffective.

• With the cooperation of Town employees and their bargaining unions we made strides towards controlling employee health care expenses. The 2008 budget shows some costs savings over the 2007 budget. We will continue to work with our unions in developing innovative ways to control these costs in the upcoming years.

• We have transferred revenues and costs relating to Youth Services from an Outside Village Fund function to a General Fund function. If funded only by the Outside Village residents, then youth from the village areas could not be served by these programs, which neither fits the design or purpose of such programs. In comparing to the State Comptroller's guidelines for service provided on a town-wide basis (and how other towns provide such services) this function is appropriately provided within the General Fund.

• Reinstates funding for playground recreational activities and provides additional funding for the Hamburg Library Board and Hamburg Historical Society.

A full copy of the tenative budget is available for review at the Town Clerk's office.

The budget hearing is scheduled for October 22, 2007 at 6:00 pm.

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