At a meeting held at village hall on March 29, the proposed 2001-02 budget was announced. The total budget of 42,316,673 reflects an increase of 2.5 percent over the 2000-01 budget. This increase will require the average homeowner to pay an additional $175 in village taxes per year.

The budget, presented by Village auditor James Olivo and Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, included reports by each of the trustees for their area of responsibility. Robert Lewis, spoke about the recreation department, including the pool and tennis operations; Gerald Lundquist spoke about public works; Dr. Barbara Miller discussed the fire department; John Mauk spoke about the building department; Brian Murray was absent but his report was about the police department. In addition to the trustees, Alan Roeckel, library director, spoke about the needs for that area.

Included in the updated Five-Year Capital Plan is an appropriation of $935,000 for repairs to the main building of St. Paul's. These projects will be financed on a "pay as you go" basis rather than through the issuance of bonds, according to the village.

Revenues anticipated by the village for the coming year have increased by $64,985. State aid has been anticipated at approximately the same level as the actual current year. The Village of Garden City does not receive a significant portion of its revenue from state sources, therefore increases or decreases in state aid do not materially affect the tax rate.

The village has experienced a net decrease in the assessed valuation of $1,346,677. This decrease is directly attributable to tax certiorari matters. In an effort to reduce the ongoing expense of refunding tax to overassessed property, the village has been proactive in addressing tax assessment grievances, thereby allowing the village to lower the budgeted refunds for 2001-2002. The vast majority of the tax certiorari actions involve commercial properties and are very sensitive to economic conditions. Settlements in these cases created a shift in the mix of property values over the past several years, resulting in a diminution of taxes paid by commercial owners and a corresponding increase in the proportion of taxes paid by the residential properties.

Most departments are calling for a slight increase in funding due to a range of factors including increased fuel costs, salaries, lighting and bus stops on Franklin Avenue, and the repair of maintenance vehicles. The "adult" swimming pool will undergo full rehabilitation similar to the work done on the main pool several years ago. A new tennis facility to replace the tennis bubble will be constructed in time for the 2001-02 winter season. The library intends to initiate Saturday and Sunday hours for July and August, leading to an increase in that area. In other areas decreases in necessary funding are predicted, due to the replacement of retiring personnel with entry level staff and reduced village election expenses.

Negotiations are ongoing with regard to contractual agreements which are expiring or have expired between 2000 and 2002. The contract with the village's Police Benevolent Association will expire on May 31, 2002, the Civil Service Employees Association Unit contract expires May 31, 2001 and the Professional Fire Fighter's Association contract expired May 31, 2000.

The board and those involved in the budget process expressed their appreciation to the four property owners' associations and the chamber of commerce for their input. Everyone was encouraged to attend the public hearing about the budget, which was held last Monday evening.