After making some final adjustments to the numbers and holding a public hearing at which no members of the public spoke, the Cazenovia Town Board last week approved the final version of its 2015 town budget. The final budget includes a $3 million total budget with $1.4 million to be raised by taxes. The proposal includes a 4 percent tax rate increase townwide, with a 1 percent tax rate increase for town residents outside the village. The current tax rate calculation calls for $1.32 per every $1,000 of assessed value townwide — up from $1.31 in 2014; and $1.46 per every $1,000 of assessed value for town outside the village — up from $1.44 in 2014. These numbers are slightly different than the preliminary budget originally had when presented to the public in September, said Supervisor Bill Zupan. The changes were due to an increase of 3 percent from 2 percent raises for town employee salaries, as well as an increase in the funding to the future of the Gothic Cottage committee and ongoing work. “It added a few cents to our tax levy but the board felt it was the right thing to do to give all employees 3 percent raises,” Zupan said. The final budget can be found on the town website at townofcazenovia.org.
Also at the meeting, the board:
—Held public hearings on both the proposed town noise ordinance and special events law, during which no members of the public spoke. Both hearings were continued to the board’s December regular meeting. Town Attorney John Langey said the state Department of Agriculture and Markets has informed him it is currently in the midst of writing its opinion of the town’s two proposed laws, although he did not know when that report would be finished or submitted to the town. —Appointed Sharon Cooney, former director of interpretive programs at Lorenzo State Historic Site, to the Gothic Cottage Citizens Advisory Committee. She will replace committee member Mary Pringle Symonds, who moved out of Cazenovia. —Approved to undertake the construction of stormwater control and drainage facilities in three areas of the town – on Lincklaen Road, East Lake Road and Ridge Road – and bond for the estimated total project cost of $500,000. Langey said the purpose of the projects is to address flooding in the public rights of way on major town roads and also to prevent flooding to residences in the town. Councilor Liz Moran said the project also will benefit Cazenovia Lake because it will reduce stormwater runoff and sediment runoff into the lake. —Approved the use of certain town roads for the 2015 Chilly Chili Run, which is scheduled to occur on Sunday, Jan. 11. —Recognized two employees who are leaving their employment with the town: James G. Wheelin, who served the town for more than 10 years and was deputy highway superintendent, is retiring; and Barbara K. Howland, who has served the town for more than six years as the secretary to the past three town supervisors. Both were honored for their dedication and professionalism in their work. Jason Emerson is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at [email protected].