Despite tough financial times in the past, Cicero’s financial future looks rosy.
Extensive growth within the town coupled with fiscal responsibility has substantially boosted the town’s fund balance. This year’s budget also benefits from the town’s strict accounting last year.
“With strict oversight last year, we were able to close the books $1.5 million under budget, which allowed us to add [more than] $400,000 to our savings account rather than deplete it by $900,000,” Supervisor Jim Corl said in his budget address. “Since we have had the benefit of experiencing these savings, it is time that we invest in the future of the town of Cicero.”
Corl presented his preliminary budget to the board Oct. 4. The $11,743,587 proposal represents a 2.29 budget-to-budget increase over 2013.
The budget highlights include the following:
Maintaining the town’s long-term roads program, which sets up a plan to repair Cicero’s deteriorating infrastructure with the aid of the Cornell Roads Program
Funding the five-year vehicle maintenance program for the highway department
Adding a codes enforcement director and three full-time officers
Replacement of the cooling tower at Town Hall
Adding a police officer in 2013 and another in 2014, increasing patrols during peak times
Making improvements to Skyway Park
Eliminating duplication of services at Skyway and Central parks
The budget will utilize $695,000 of the town’s fund balance as well as $900,000 of its capital fund. Corl anticipates staying within the state’s 2 percent tax cap.
“Although challenging, I believe this budget meets the current needs of the town while making necessary investments where appropriate,” Corl said.
The budget, along with a progress report penned by Corl, is available on the town’s website, ciceronewyork.net.
