By Russ Tarby
Contributing Writer
Due to a reporter’s error, the story which ran in our March 29 edition incorrectly indicated that the proposed 2017-18 Liverpool village budget total was down from the previous year’s budget. In fact the proposed budget is higher than the current budget total, while taxes remain flat and services remain intact.
Village Clerk Mary Ellen Sims explains:
“The current village budget, which was passed last April, called for general fund expenses of $2,362,406 and sewer fund expenses of $179,000 for a total budget of $2,541, 406 for expenditures. The 2017- 2018 budget is $2,469,109 for general fund expenses and $165,920 for sewer fund expenses for a total of $ 2,635,029 for expenditures. The proposed budget is $93,623 over last year’s budget. The budget is higher this year by $93,623; however the tax rate is being proposed to stay the same as last year’s $12.45 per thousand. Increased revenue from the court, increase in village tax levy and interfund transfers helped keep the tax rate the same.”
Mayor Gary White said he was pleased that taxes will not rise this year and that village services remain intact.
At their Feb. 16 meeting, the trustees rejected a proposed waiver of the state-mandated 2 percent tax cap, which is down to 1.15 percent this year. “This tentative budget is within the allowable tax levy limit of 1.15 percent,” Sims reported.
The proposed budget calls for capital purchases totaling $92,000, including a police vehicle for $35,000, a pick-up truck to replace the DPW’s 2008 truck for $40,000 and a milling head for road repair at a cost of $17,000.
The proposed budget raised the amount expected by fines levied by the Village Justice Court to $130,000. Court revenues have been steadily increasing over the past year.
No salary increases are reflected in the tentative budget, except those regulated by contracts with the Police Benevolent Association and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The village’s fiscal year runs from June 1 through May 31.
LPD stats for February
Via memo on March 20, Liverpool Police Chief Donald Morris reported his department’s activity during the month of February to the village board.
Last month LPD officers made 230 traffic stops and issued 163 citations for violations of the state’s vehicle and traffic laws, made two arrests for driving while intoxicated and investigated eight accidents.
Officers also wrote 18 parking tickets and made 193 residential property checks. Over the month’s 28 days, officers handled a total of 483 incidents and calls for service.
The department made 18 arrests on a total of 25 criminal charges in February.
