By Hayleigh Gowans

Staff Writer

Residents in DeWitt can expect no change in their tax rate for the coming year, based on the preliminary 2017 town budget.

The total town budget is projected to be $27,998,420 with an amount to be raised by taxes at $16,582,082. This results in a tax rate of $4.84 per $1,000 assessed value, which is the same tax rate as 2016, according to Town Comptroller Kerrie Shanahan.

Town Supervisor Ed Michalenko said the town of DeWitt has seen some restructuring to help cut costs over the years, and the town board has been working to find cost-savings, including upgrading the financial system, changing employee insurance carriers, restructuring departments, eliminating some town-level positions and refinancing outstanding bonds to have lower interest rates.

“I think it’s something we always have to look at as a town board as a fiduciary duty to our taxpayers,” Michalenko said. “We worked to keep the tax rate the same. It’s something that is very difficult to achieve.”

Some figures that changed from the 2016 budget include a $100,000 increase for police and fire retirement costs, saving $100,000 in eliminating the town engineer position, saving $40,000 by consolidating the town clerk and supervisor administrative assistant position, and saving $100,000 by switching insurance carriers.

Additionally, the town was able to stay under the state tax levy cap, which was set at a .68 percent increase.

The final budget will be discussed and possibly voted on at the next meeting, 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14 at the town offices, 5400 Butternut Drive, East Syracuse.

To receive a copy of the most current budget, contact the town clerk at 446-3910 ext. 2.