By Hayleigh Gowans

Staff Writer

At the Nov. 14 meeting of the DeWitt Town Board, the 2017 final budget was adopted with a tax rate staying at the 2016 level of $4.84 per $1,000 assessed value.

According to Town Comptroller Kerrie Shanahan, the total budget amount is projected to be $27,998,420 with an amount to be raised by taxes at $16,582,082.

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.

Town Supervisor Ed Michalenko said over the years, the town of DeWitt has seen some restructuring to help cut costs, 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.

To receive a copy of the 2017 budget, contact the town clerk at 446-3910 ext. 2.