In recent weeks, most of the villages in the Roslyn area have approved their 2006-07 budgets. The Village of Roslyn Board of Trustees approved budget totals $4,234,668.

As with the other villages, the Roslyn BOT tried to hold the line on taxes. In 2005-06, the village tax rate was 21.11259 per assessed valuation. For this year's budget, that number is 22.06963, a slight 4.5 percent increase, but only a $0.96 increase in actual dollar amounts.

On the revenue side, $2,546, 918 will be raised by real estate taxes. The village's appropriated fund balance totals $330,600. In addition, its total revenues and appropriated surplus amounts to $1,687,750. Estimated revenue other than real estate taxes stands at $1,357,150. From that total, the village hopes to raise revenue from Justice Court Fines ($243,720), Sewer Rental ($222,292), Mortgage Taxes ($136,359), Zoning Fees ($130,000), and Meters ($121,390).

Village appropriations for the coming fiscal year includes the Government Support budget, which, as always, is the largest item, totaling $1,289,419, divided among the Clerk Treasurer budget, the Village Attorney budget, and Special Items, which this year includes $95,319 spent on the Ellen E. Ward Clock Tower, and $68,998 on insurance.

The Public Safety budget stands at $643,965, with more than half of that coming from the Fire Department budget. The Transportation budget is $408,882, most of that being spent on the Streets and Sidewalks budget.

Meanwhile, the Culture & Recreation budget stands at a mere $1,950. The Home & Community budget is $814,447, with the Sewer System budget amounting to $539,640 of that budget. Employee Benefits total $293,258 and the Debt Service budget is $919,841.

The Village of Roslyn Estates Board of Trustees recently approved a 2006-07 budget, one that calls for $1,331,062 in expenditures. Real estate taxes make up $794,141 in total revenues, with the village's appropriated fund balance accounting for $289,116 of the revenue total.

As always, a large portion of the budget's expenditures is spent on roads and streets and fire services. In the coming year, the village plans to spend $200,000 on road renewal and $94,500 on "personal service" on the village's streets. The fire service budget, meanwhile, will total approximately $175,000. Expenditures for village personnel, including attorneys and clerks, will total over $220,000.

In addition to revenues from real estate taxes and the fund balance, other monies to balance the budget will come from the State Aid Mortgage tax ($50,000), Sewer Assessments ($29,493), Permits ($27,000), Interest on Deposits ($25,000), Board of Appeals/Planning Board revenue ($25,000), A Consolidated Highway Tax ($21,200), the Electric Gross Receipts Tax ($19,000), and a Concession Fee ($17,000).

Meanwhile, officials with the Village of East Hills have released more information on their own budget, which has also recently been approved.

Mayor Michael R. Koblenz, in his budget presentation, claimed that The Park at East Hills will open this year "in record time." The mayor said that in addition to a 12,000 sq. ft. pool with a 100-ft. slide, the park will also feature a "Snow Mountain" for those days when it snows and the children are home from school. If not for skiing, then "Snow Mountain" will offer plenty of sledding opportunities for East Hills athletes.

While giving an update on the park, the mayor also praised village volunteers, many of whom have served on park committees. "Our community is fortunate to have so many talented community leaders who assist our administration by serving on committees and boards," the mayor said. "In addition to the village posts, many residents have given freely of their time and efforts to our ten civic associations."

Speaking of residential concerns, the mayor also noted that when residents requested flood insurance, the board took the "necessary steps" to allow East Hills to be added to the National Flood Program.

He added that when "McMansions" became an issue in the village, the board responded with moratoriums, studies, and "positive change."

Toward that end, Mayor Koblenz said the village's Architectural Review Board (ARB) had developed proposals to protect against "nonconforming and inappropriate" construction in the village. As a result, the ARB now reviews all construction to "preserve and promote" the character and appearance of the village. The mayor added that the ARB does not hamper minor alterations and that approvals to proceed with such alterations are issued within days.