The Port Washington Police District's Board of Commissioners has ratified its budget for 2001. The budget, totaling $9,032,604 was unanimously approved and calls for a tax levy of $8,459,573, and a tax rate of 11.158 dollars per hundred of assessed valuation. This compares to last year's budget totaling $8,735,116, a tax levy of $8,389,837 and a tax rate of 11.201 dollars per hundred for the year 2000. Contributing to the tax reduction is an increase in the assessed valuation for 2001, which is $75,816,210, and for the year 2000 was $74,902,569.

The beginning undesignated fund balance for 2000 was $1,130,189. (The district's fiscal year runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.) The commissioners applied $200,000 from the fund balance to the new budget.

The largest dollar increase is for police salaries, up $215,843 from $5,780,455 in '00 to $5,996,298 in '01. Even though the contract negotiations continue with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the board included a contingency fund to cover the salary increases that are anticipated.

Additionally, benefits increased by $70,365, totaling $873,000, up from $802,635 and operating expenses are up $15,535 from $769,765 to $785,300.

Commissioners Persons, Zimbardi and Duncan held three budget workshops and a public hearing in preparation of this budget. Commenting jointly, the commissioners said, "We wish to thank the residents for their input and participation in the budget process and also commend Chief Kilfoil and his staff, particularly Lieutenant Rudefer, for their assistance."

They gave special thanks to the PWPD accountant, Mr. William Abrams, of Abrams & Company, CPA. They noted his expertise in municipal accounting and said they appreciated his guidance throughout the year.

Alluding to the significant improvements made over the last few years in the district's operations, Chief Kilfoil stated, "I've been involved with the budget process since 1992. It used to be a big headache; now it's a pleasure. I thank the board of commissioners for that and for all the help everybody else gives.