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Wheatfield approves budget

by jmaloni
Thu, Nov 15th 2012 10:15 am

by Susan Mikula Campbell

The Wheatfield Town Board approved its $12.05 million budget for 2013 as expected on Nov. 7.

The board met after the Nov. 8 issue had already gone to press. The budget, which includes a 7.39 percent decrease in the tax levy, can be found on the town's website.

Councilman Gil Doucet thanked Supervisor Bob Cliffe and Budget Director Edward Mongold on putting together a budget with a major tax cut, especially with the increase in school district rates. "This is going to help our taxpayer in the Town of Wheatfield offset that with some left over," Doucet said.

The increase in the town's share of county sales tax revenue due to town population growth was cited as a major reason the town could cut taxes.

Added revenue means that the town can offer a tax cut despite increases in health insurance and retirement plan costs, maintaining library services, bringing back a highway position, plus adding a second Niagara County Sheriff's deputy to cover the town on a full time basis.

In other matters:

•The board approved the hiring of Melissa Germann on a temporary, part-time basis to conduct an equipment inventory/audit of all town equipment, including vehicles.

•The board reappointed Donald Donner to another 5-year term on the Assessment Board of Review.

•On the recommendations of its Blue Ribbon Committee, the board approved the creation of the positions of youth center supervisor and deputy recreation director.

•Ryan Hulub and Kelli Burkholder were hired as lifeguards for the town's family swim program.

•The board ratified the town's Right to Play policy. "Basically, if someone can't afford to play, we would find a way," Cliffe said.

•The next Town Board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26.

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