No increase in ’08 tax rate for Porter

by Susan Driscoll
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, November 10, 2007

In 2008, residents of the town of Porter will continue to pay 79 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. That rate has remained unchanged since 2005 and received final approval at this month’s monthly Town of Porter Board meeting.

At that meeting, Town Supervisor Merton Wiepert reported that the board had worked to keep the budget low and avoid unnecessary spending. That goal had been achieved in part, by the absence of any pay increase for either himself or board members. Town employee salaries were increased by three percent.

The Details

Budget appropriations and provisions for other uses for the year 2008 total $4,882,449; estimated revenues equal $3,140,582; unexpended balances are $1,006,559; leaving an amount to be raised by tax of $735,308 -- resulting in the final tax rate of 79 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.

The 2008 budget includes $35,000 for a senior citizen van for the village of Youngstown.

Both Ransomville and Youngstown libraries will receive a three per cent increase in 2008 on annual funding of $67,145.

Wiepert reported the 2008 revenue raised by the Town of Porter General Fund A, or “whole town tax,” includes $35,000 interest on a Capital Projects account. That $35,000 together with a $55,000 direct investment from the Capital Project, contribute to funding a $25,500 town of Porter garage repair; a $20,000 one-time special donation to the Old Fort Niagara Association bi-centennial celebration (in addition to a regular annual funding amount of $20,000); and $10,000 for soccer fields at the Ransomville Fire Hall.

Other 2008 budget appropriations and provisions for other uses include a figure of $247,957 for Ransomville and $128,650 for Youngstown Volunteer Fire companies.

Compensation Costs Increase

In discussing the funding Wiepert explained that if a fireman gets hurt, as has happened in Ransomville, the Worker’s Compensation cost is assessed to Porter. Following just such an injury, the town finds itself picking up an additional $28,000 in 2008, up from $4,000 last year. Wiepert also reported that overall expenses for hospitalization insurance increased for 2008 by $12,500.

On the subject of refuse collection and disposal, Wiepert reported that the town of Porter had put the contract for this service out to bid. Only one bid was received, from Modern Disposal, at a $34,000 increase on 2007. The town of Porter pays for refuse pick up for residents outside of the village of Youngstown; a service Wiepert priced at $145 per year.

Finally, Supervisor Wiepert reported the town of Porter will be purchasing a replacement drainage mower and will undertake major drainage projects in 2008. The town will also benefit from a $50,000 Multi-Modal fund provided by government interests, for the purpose of installing and repairing sidewalks.