Village of Lewiston approves 2012-13 budget

by Joshua Maloni

The Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees approved the municipality's 2012-13 budget at a special meeting Monday night. The total budget rose from $3,126,609 to $3,298,631, but the tax rate remains $7.12 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

"This board and myself have worked very hard in trying to keep our tax rate at the same rate as the previous year," Mayor Terry Collesano said. "With a lot of meetings and a lot of work, we were fortunate enough to keep it down this year, and yet we are keeping all (of our services). Everything will be the same."

Notable items in the budget include a 3 percent pay raise for all village employees (and elected officials), more than $11,000 in new retirement costs (totaling $24,675), and almost $18,000 more for the Lewiston Police Department ($294,500; up from $276,710). The board agreed to a one-year contract with the LPD. Trustees are working on a long-term police contract with the Town of Lewiston.

On the plus side, the village estimates $40,000 more in sales tax, $53,000 in new water meter fees, and $5,000 in additional sewer rents.

The fiscal year begins June 1.

News and Notes

•Trustees Ernie Krell (Republican) and Therese Mudd (Democrat) are running for re-election this June. Their seats carry a four-year term.

Republican Nick Conde, a former village zoning officer, seeks to take one of the two positions.