The Village of Mineola Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, which begins June 1 and ends May 31, 2008. As was not the case last year, this year the plan received full support from the mayor and the board.

The budget calls for $20,375,035 in expenditures, which is a 3.6 percent increase in spending over the 2006-2007 budget. Of the $20,375,035, the amount that will be raised by property taxes is $12,117,007, an increase of 3.6 percent over the 2006-2007 budget.

The tax rate for the 2006-2007 budget was $22.11 per $100 of assessed valuation. The tax rate for the 2007-2008 budget is $23.14 per $100 of assessed valuation.

Taxpayers can calculate their village tax by dividing their village assessment by 100 and multiplying that number by $23.14. Taxpayers can calculate their tax increase by dividing their village assessment by 100 and multiplying that number by $1.03.

As in years past, tax certiorari payments or repayments to those property owners who were determined to have overpaid taxes based as assessment continues to be a scourge on the village budget. The budget accounts for $1 million for tax certiorari payments. In 2005-2006, the village expended $1,239,731 and from June 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007, expended $1,192,215.

The budget also calls for $100,000 to be spent on road repaving.

The next village meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 9 at village hall, 155 Washington Avenue, with a work session at 6:30 p.m. and a public meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Mineola Cub Scout Pack #246 will be holding a fundraiser on Tuesday, May 8 at McDonalds, 60 Jericho Turnpike, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. During that time, all purchases will help raise money for the pack. The Cub Scouts thank you in advance for your support.-