Town tax levy may increase by 4.7 %
The Town of Montgomery budget looks to be in “ okay shape ” for 2017 , said Township Supervisor Michael Hayes , after a recent budget workshop . “ But it depends what happens next quarter . We budgeted the right amount , I think . Last year it was about the same .”
However , he anticipates a 4.7 % levy increase , requiring a tax cap override , as this year ’ s state tax cap is . 68 %. Some expenses , particularly health insurance and workman ’ s compensation will be higher . Those costs will not be determined until the fourth quarter , and they could affect the levy , he said .
Health insurance could be up 18 %, he noted , but since the town budgeted for a 16 % increase , if the increase is less , the tax increase could be less , since health insurance is a big budget item .
“ But the extra money could also just be moved around ,” he said .
Sales and mortgage taxes will also be determined in the fourth quarter and can affect the tax rate , Hayes said , especially since the gas tax has been down and the number of refinances is still an unknown .
To keep tax increases down , most
Solar farm for Montgomery
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property from view . She also pointed out that the farm will not need a substation because of its smaller size and the power generated will go to a distribution line by the road rather than a transmission line .
Cypress Creek Renewables will also sell the energy themselves to local residents . She estimated that the farm will generate enough power for 300-600 homes and promised that residents who sign a contract with the company will see an immediate rate savings .
Waling explained the project opened up solar energy and its cost savings to individuals who want to be environmentally friendly but may rent or do not want to install expensive solar panels on their roof .
“ It ’ s hard for us to review what we don ’ t know ,” said Reichle , pointing out that they didn ’ t have enough of an application to review the project .
Waling promised to begin work on the necessary forms and soil testing and coordinate a site visit for a couple members of the Planning Board .
In other business , the Planning Board approved the site plan , special use permit and negative declaration as to SEQRA for Campbell Freightliner following the conclusion of its public hearing .
The Campbell Freightliner project is located at the corner of Route 208 and
Henry Henning Drive and will entail a great deal of changes , starting with the addition of approximately 22,331 square feet to the existing structure , currently occupied by Quality Towing and a Subway restaurant . The completed structure will be solely for the use of Campbell Freightliner and entail office space , sales counter , parts storage , truck service bays and bathrooms .
The site will also have truck service bays , a vehicle wash bay , dynamometer bay , warehouse space and expanded customer waiting areas and parking .
The approvals were conditioned on the new signage for the site meeting the town ’ s code .
The board also approved the application of Chili Gas , located on Stone Castle Road , following its public hearing . The owner of the business , which stores and distributes liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG ), hopes to be up and running by Jan . 1 . The approvals were conditioned on meeting lighting requirements and submitting the necessary stormwater management paperwork for an MS4 community .
A lot line change for Ted Haines , who is purchasing approximately 390 feet of land from his neighbor , will be on the board ’ s agenda at their meeting on Nov . 14 . The planning board waived a public hearing .
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requests for new equipment have been denied , he said , including police requests for two new cars with updated equipment . However , as the animal control truck is developing rust , its condition may necessitate replacement , he said .
The proposed budget gives town elected officials and non-union employees a 2 % raise , including town supervisor , town clerk , and town highway superintendent , said Hayes , although the town board chose not to take the raise .
Police Chief Arnold Amthor has also asked for two part time animal control staff , as currently just one person is on call at all times .
Mark Hoyt , town councilman , estimated that the tax increase would , on average , cost residents about fifty dollars yearly .
On November 3 , the town board will have a public hearing on the budget , Hayes said . On November 17 , the board will vote on the state tax cap override and may also vote on the budget . If a special board meeting is necessary for the budget , that would be on November 17 , as the budget must be passed by November 20 .