The Town of Vonore will spend $1.5 million in 2009, leaving only $21,315 in its fund balance. Spending is down from $1.8 million in 2008 but still more than the $1.3 million the town expects to receive in revenue in the coming year.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted at its meeting on Tuesday to set the town’s tax rate at .3733; a decrease from the town’s previous 45-cent tax rate. Property values recently went up due to the reappraisal process. However, the state does not allow municipalities to gain extra income due to higher property values. Municipalities can vote not to lower tax rates, essentially passing a tax increase.

The board also voted to approve the first reading of the new budget and to hold a public hearing on it at 6:45 p.m. July 8 in the town’s courtroom.

Vonore Mayor Fred Tallent told the aldermen none of the town’s departments had money for equipment purchases in this year’s budget. He did increase employees’ salaries, the town’s fuel budget and included a new part-time position.

“Gas is killing us,” he said. “Then I’ve got to hire this sewer operator, which we don’t need.”

The state is forcing the town to hire a part-time, Level 1 certified sewer operator to oversee the town’s sewer lines and pumping stations. See related story on Page 6.

In the 2009 budget, noticeable decreases in the General Fund include:

• city garage salaries and equipment drop from $28,020 to $0 (Note: position moved to Street Department.)

• town saves $15,000 for not needing any architectural or engineering plans and $3,000 for not having election expenses in 2009

• insurance drops $5,000 from $95,000 to $90,000

• donations to the Vonore Heritage Museum drops from $35,000 to $15,000

• town expects to transfer $10,000 to other funds, down from $40,100 last year

• a $22,500 decrease in police salaries, training, travel and capital outlay (Note: all part-time positions were eliminated.)

• a $65,350 decrease in fire training, communications, repairs and maintenance, operating supplies and capital outlay (note: the Fire Department did receive an $8,134 increase in salaries and volunteer pay)

• a $1,000 decrease in the building inspector’s salary, down from $2,000

• a $13,850 decrease in the Street Department’s equipment parts, street signs, building and improvements and paving (note: the Street Department did receive a $24,066 increase in salaries)

• a $57,990 decrease in the parks and recreations budget including cuts in operating supplies, including a $54,000 cut in park improvements

• a $4,900 decrease to the town’s library and community center in salaries, repairs and maintenance

• a $40,000 decrease in sewer appropriations from the General Fund

Almost all of the town’s General Fund revenue was projected to decrease, except for state sales tax and state beer tax.

The town also has a sewer fund, which balances exactly with expense and revenue both estimated at $162,657. That fund is only down $4,000 from last year.

The town’s drug fund had to be amended in this year’s budget because revenue and expense were estimated at $23,198 but both grew to $91,140 due to increase in drug seizures, vehicle sales and fines. In 2009, both revenue and expense are projected at $83,194.

The town’s budget is a public document and may be viewed at Town Hall during regular business hours. 

The Board of Mayor of Aldermen will vote on the budget a second and final time at its July 8 meeting at 7 p.m. in the courtroom of Town Hall.

melissa.kinton@advocateand democrat.com | 337-7101