Town to see slight increase in taxes
The town of Dunkirk’s tentative budget increases taxes by a few cents, but that’s enough for it to exceed the tax cap for special districts.
At a recent special meeting the tentative 2018 budget was presented. Despite 1-2 percent increases in salaries and additional funds budgeted for a website ($5,000) and town hall improvements ($20,000), the general fund’s revenues balanced out its expenses for a $0 tax levy. The highway fund is also calculated into the tax levy, making it $60,000.
The projected tax rate is expected to increase by a penny to 59 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.
Special district levies are also added for fire protection, lighting, water and sewer districts. The combined tax levy is $320,000, but what is allowed by the tax cap is $309,000.
The town has not increased taxes in several years and now needs to do so due to water projects.
Fire protection tax rates are expected to increase from $1.88 in the West Town to $1.90 and from $1.98 in the East Town to $2.01 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.
In another matter, the town board approved a site plan for Purina’s ingredient bin expansion, as recommended by the planning board.
The town board will meet again today at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall. There will be a public hearing on the passing a local law to override the tax cap. Public hearings for the budget and fire district contracts will also be set at the meeting.
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