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No new taxes for Livingston
By Jamie Larson
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
LIVINGSTON — While Columbia County municipalities grapple with their 2010 budgets — nearly all have realizing a tax increase — the town of Livingston has released a $1.5 million budget proposal that will not increase the property tax rate.
The town board completed its proposed 2010 budget at a workshop held Oct. 20. The board began working on the budget in late August, meeting multiple times and focusing on ways to cut spending in each department.
Supervisor Phil Williams said that while sales and mortgage tax revenues have decreased from 2008, the board has looked at every opportunity to control spending. “We feel that we can do more with less and still deliver services to the community,” Williams said. “The board will continue to look for cost-cutting ideas during the upcoming year as well as look for opportunities for grants.”
Williams commended the board for their effort to balance the 2009 budget and maintain the recommended reserve balance in the face of difficulties presented by the recession.
“Livingston’s no tax increase budget stands out when compared to many cities, towns and counties in the Hudson Valley where proposed budgets raise the property tax rates for homeowners and call for employee layoffs,” Williams said. “The estimated tax rate per $1,000 (of assessed property value) will be $1.88 in 2010 down from $1.89 in 2009.”
The proposed budget is available for review by the public at the town hall.
A public hearing on it will be held Nov. 12 at 6:45 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled town board meeting.
To reach reporter Jamie Larson call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com. To comment directly on this story visit www.registerstar.com.
The town board completed its proposed 2010 budget at a workshop held Oct. 20. The board began working on the budget in late August, meeting multiple times and focusing on ways to cut spending in each department.
Supervisor Phil Williams said that while sales and mortgage tax revenues have decreased from 2008, the board has looked at every opportunity to control spending. “We feel that we can do more with less and still deliver services to the community,” Williams said. “The board will continue to look for cost-cutting ideas during the upcoming year as well as look for opportunities for grants.”
Williams commended the board for their effort to balance the 2009 budget and maintain the recommended reserve balance in the face of difficulties presented by the recession.
“Livingston’s no tax increase budget stands out when compared to many cities, towns and counties in the Hudson Valley where proposed budgets raise the property tax rates for homeowners and call for employee layoffs,” Williams said. “The estimated tax rate per $1,000 (of assessed property value) will be $1.88 in 2010 down from $1.89 in 2009.”
The proposed budget is available for review by the public at the town hall.
A public hearing on it will be held Nov. 12 at 6:45 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled town board meeting.
To reach reporter Jamie Larson call 518-828-1616, ext. 2269, or e-mail jlarson@registerstar.com. To comment directly on this story visit www.registerstar.com.
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