Ortonville- The village council will vote Monday on whether to approve a proposed budget for 2008-2009.
‘It’s a good budget,? said Village Manager Ed Coy. ‘If we follow it, we will live within our means. Just like it is hard for families to balance a budget in these economic times, it’s hard for the government also. With a tough economy and less revenue, it’s tougher to do every year.?
The proposed budget has total revenues of $635,300 and total expenditures of $634,018. The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2009.
During a presentation at a council meeting last month, Village Council President Ken Quisenberry said he, Coy, and Treasurer Larry Brown worked together on creating the budget, which looks different than in years past. Quisenberry noted that in the past three years, the village spent more money than was brought in.Last year, the village had revenue of about $700,000, yet spent $735,000.
‘If you can’t balance your budget, you need to work on your priorities,? he said.
The village has about 7 to 10 percent less income than in years past due to a slower economy, with less revenue from sales tax, real estate tax, and state revenue sharing.
‘Our spending will have to reflect cuts,? Quisenberry said. ‘Every municipality has this problem.?
He added that the 10 percent decrease in revenue won’t hurt the village as much because of the reduction of the DPW crew to two men earlier this year, as well as a restructuring of the front office.
The council meets at 7 p.m., June 23, at the township offices, 395 Mill St.