Since 2008, Addison Township has continued to effectively meet its budgeted expenditures without having to raise taxes, according to Supervisor Bruce Pearson.
It’s been that frugal mindset that has carried them forward.
Pearson is looking for that trend to continue as he presented the board with an overview of the proposed 2015-16 budget.
‘I just tell people that we continue to do more with less. We’re always are looking for new ways of saving money,? Pearson told this reporter. ‘I think we have one of the most dynamic boards because we’ve proven over the last six years that not only can we do more with less, but we’re actually improving everybody’s life in Addison Township.?
The proposed budget contains a general fund of approximately $3.5 million.
‘In this budget, it includes the new (township hall) and small raise for the employees a 2 percent raise, which is pretty much in accordance (with) what the cost of living was,? Pearson said. ‘Cost living went up 1.7 percent, according to the government, and I think that’s what the increase was for Social Security.?
The new township hall will cost approximately $2.3 million, while the employee raises will cost a total of $6,800.
Looking at the budget, Pearson is expecting a revenue increase of about $31,077 from last year in the general fund.
‘It should be noted that the revenue sharing (from the state) is up by $17,000 and property tax (revenue is) up by $10,000,? he said. ‘I think that is an indication we are recovering from the recession.?
Other highlights include a $3,000 decrease in expenditures for general administration and a $4,000 decrease for elections. They also budgeted around $12,700 for building maintenance.
‘Building repairs with the new facility, I think we can reduce this (line-item) by 50 percent,? Pearson said.
Pearson is proposing a $5,448 increase to the building department from the $41,500 2014-15 amended budget. That increase includes up to eight additional hours for building department clerical staffing on a weekly basis.
‘By listening to the other townships in the area here, I think we might have some more building,? he added. ‘So it might put some increase pressured on our building department, but if not, we’ll save that money.?
Pearson noted that the building department got 17 building permits for homes last year and already has received three or four for this coming spring.
Currently the budget carryover is only $8,000 compared to around $95,000 last year, which Pearson said is a huge thing.
‘Carry-over is what I have to borrow from the bank. If I spent everything I said I was going to spend last year I would have had to take $90,000 out of the bank, but I didn’t spend all that. I don’t think we took anything out of the bank last year,? he explained. ‘This year, if I spend everything I say that we’re going to do, we would only take $8,000 out of the bank.?
‘I think this board has been very fiscally responsible,? Pearson added. ‘We haven’t spent the money and if you look between our increases and our expenditures, I think we’ve cut that down dramatically.?
The police fund will experience a $35,600 increase in revenue due to property taxes.
‘That will offset some of the contract cost, (which is estimated to be $928,000 for 2015-2016)? Pearson said.
Parks & Recreation revenue is set at $37,500 for 2015-2016
‘The revenue this year for the proposed budget request (does not include) grant funding,? he said. ‘If we do get some, (then) of course, we’ll modify that.?
The Addison Township Fire Department is still working on its budget.
Overall, Pearson said he is ‘happy with the budget.?
‘I think this board has done an excellent job at conserving the township’s money and using it wisely,? he said. ‘I think you can see our carryover is much, much less even with all the stuff we have going on. I think it’s a very good budget.?
The board will discuss the budget at the next regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the township offices (1440 Rochester Rd.) in Lakeville.