Grafton Town Budget Proposal Calls For No Tax Rate Increase

By Doug La Rocque
Grafton Town Supervisor Frank Higgins presented his proposed budget to the Town Board during a workshop meeting Monday night, emphasizing the fact the town is under a very tight tax cap, and limited his spending projections to virtually the same levels as this year.  He warned Board members that health care costs are going up between a projected 12 to 15 percent.  [private] He also spoke of increases in the overall retirement costs mandated on the Town by the New York State Comptroller’s office.
Because of previous spending under a complicated formula spelled out in New York State’s tax cap legislation, Grafton is limited to an increase of no more than .0074%.  According to Supervisor Higgins, this means no more than an approximate $5,000 increase, in a budget that totals over 1.2 million.  Coupled with the anticipated increases in expenditures, Higgins made some proposals to cut spending elsewhere.  Chief amoungst these was his suggestion that the Supervisor and Town Board members yearly salary be cut in half.  This would save the town $10,700.  Higgins told the Board “they should lead by example.”  Councilman Michael Crandall indicated he was not in favor, and suggested the Board look at a one percent across the board cut in personnel services.  Councilman Rick Ungaro indicated would be fine with an all volunteer town board, but was concerned that they try to find some money for a small increase for Town employees.
Town Clerk’s Office And
Ambulance Funding Also Discussed
Deputy Town Clerk Cathy Goyer expressed concern about software she feels is needed to upgrade the clerk’s office.  She had advocated for the spending this year and hoped it could be purchased soon.  She estimated the cost to be about $1,800 yearly.
It also came to light that the Rescue Squad is now sending out bills for its services.  The question of whether this might be “double dipping” was raised.  Supervisor Higgins pointed out the money would be used to consider paid staffing, since volunteer levels are very low.  Councilman Ungaro indicated he would like to see a plan for the use of this money developed as more information becomes available.  The Board agreed this is a matter that is going to require more input and information, but returned to the subject at hand, the budget.
Supervisor Higgins went through the remainder of the spending plan and asked the Board members what was their pleasure.  Councilwoman Barb Messenger said she was pretty much fine with it.  Councilman Crandall and Ungaro said they would like more time to review it.  Councilwoman Gundrum was absent, having sent a message before the meeting she was ill and unable to attend.  Supervisor Higgins asked Board members to get back to him with any proposed changes as soon as they could.  Higgins told the Eastwick Press the budget is an evolving document and “I did the best I could given the budget constraints we are forced to operate under while remaining wihin the state mandated budget cap yet avoiding any cuts in services to our residents.”
Tentative Budget Due By The End Of The Month
By law, the Supervisor must present his tentative budget to the Town Clerk by September 30.  The Clerk must then in turn present the budget to the entire Town Board by October 5.  The Board and Supervisor then discuss and make any changes they agree on, and formulate a preliminary budget for presentation to the public, before voting on a final spending document.   [/private]