RSS 2.0 FeedJanuary 20, 2011, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Budget approved
Village budget approved, two trustees oppose.
The Freeport Board of Trustees approved a $60.3 million budget for 2011-2012 by a vote of 3-2, with Trustees Bill White and Jorge Martinez in opposition.
At the start of the meeting budget consultant David Tanner gave explanations and answered questions regarding individual line items. Clarification was sought on a matter discussed during the January 10 budget hearing: is the budget increase 3.9 or 4.7%?
Mr. Tanner told The Leader that the 3.9% figure represented the increase in the total amount to be raised by taxation ($40.7 million), but that the the tax rate ($57.453 per $100 of assessed valuation) will increase 4.7%. The difference is the result in changes in assessed valuation. Both figures were reflected in the actual budget resolution – as Trustee Robert Kennedy noted, “The only thing the public wants to know is, ‘How much are my taxes going up?’ ”
In explaining his negative vote, Trustee White, while acknowledging some positive features in the budget, argued that money is still being misspent. He particularly criticized the mayor for not applying the same budgetary restraint in all facets of village expenditures.
