No Tax Increase for 2014

The budget that I've presented to the Village Board for the April 7th meeting has a lot of good in it. The 2014-2015 budget will include no tax increases for the third consecutive year-- the first time this has happened since between 1997 and 2000.

Some highlights in the budget:

- $2,000 more for funding Middleburgh's park projects, spearheaded by Trustee Bill Morton.
- A $20,000 one-time increase in Fire Department funding for long-needed repairs in the firehouse.
- Additional funding for street and sidewalk repair.
- Putting aside additional money for the Youth Commission, which runs the pool and summer programs.

These policies have saved homeowners a significant amount. The previous administration raised taxes an average of 2.66% per year. Zero tax increases compared to that rate means that the average homeowner has saved $139 over the last three years.

No Tax Increase in 2013

The Village passed another balanced budget without tax increases. This is the second consecutive budget with no tax hikes. The $750,383 budget is over $10,000 smaller than last year’s. We were hit with another loss of property tax values due to the flood and a large increase in pension costs, but made up for it through targeted cuts. The new budget increased Fire Department funding and after some research, an improved employee health insurance and insurance plan for the Fire House.

Taxes Steady in New Budget

The new Village Board okayed its 2012-2013 budget at the last regular Board meeting. The meeting was attended by about twenty onlookers, who watched the inaugurations of Mayor Avitabile and Trustees Adams, Morton, and Tinker.

Mayor Avitabile's budget passed 5-0. Within it, there were no tax increases and many new efficiencies. Included was a pay cut of $100 each for the four Trustees and Mayor. There was also consolidation of accounts between the general budget and sewer budget.

The Village budget faced many headwinds, including a 5% drop in property tax value from Irene. In addition, insurance rates went up about 10%, and $10,000 had to be allotted for state retirement. Despite this, the budget gave 2% raises to the employees, especially the hourly earners. There were no layoffs or benefit cuts.

Middleburgh Looking at Insurance Revaluation

Superintendent of Public Works Dale Nunamann presented a plan to the Village Board to save money on municipal insurance. By reducing coverage on buildings that would not pay out in case of severe damage, the Village is looking to save money every year on insurance payments.

Village Budget Passed

The Middleburgh Village Board passed a final draft of the 2011-2012 municipal budget. The vote was 4-0 with Trustee Ingraham absent. The Board accepted the deal, which cut $16,000 in additional spending and increased taxes from $5.75 to $5.85 per $1000, or a 1.2% increase. The salaried workers of the Village offered to forego pay raises and no workers were laid off.

Budget Vote April 4th

The Village Board is preparing to vote on its proposed budget. The Board had been in talks about what to do  about the budget this month. This budget is going to come to a vote on April 4th after a public hearing.

Village in Budget Talks

The Middleburgh Village Board is discussing its 2011-2012 fiscal year budget. This budget is going to come to a vote on April 4th after a public hearing.