Two years ago, the town of Cicero was in a fiscal crisis.
Now, things have turned around.
At a press conference Wednesday, June 12, Supervisor Jim Corl announced that the town was $1.6 million under its 2012 budget.
“I’m happy to report that we’ve come a long way in a short time,” Corl said at the press conference. “This was done by implementing efficiency programs, reduction of workforce by attrition and elimination. Also, an emphasis has been placed on safety measures to help cut cost of general liability and workers compensation insurances.”
Corl also noted that 2012 brought an increase in revenue to Cicero.
“This is the result of things such as making sure folks in the community have their dogs registered to working with developers to make things easier for large scale projects to move forward,” he said.
The 2013 budget for the town of Cicero was one that Corl had previously called one of the most difficult budget cycles in the history of the town. He cited the loss of revenue from the county’s sales tax sharing agreement as well as an overreliance on the town’s fund balance for the trouble. Taxes went up 5.5 percent for residents.
It appears that the 2014 budget cycle will be somewhat easier. One thing Corl wants to do with the surplus from last year is to rebuild the town’s reserves, also known as its “rainy day” fund.
Corl is hopeful that part of that surplus, about $100,000, could be set aside to revamp the town hall on Route 11.
“Keep in mind this does not necessarily mean that these funds will be utilized to construct a new facility; rather, monies dedicated to explore options involving improvements or construction,” he said. “We have certainly outgrown our current facilities, and I am hopeful that the board will support this proposal.”
