The big items Addison Township Supervisor Bruce Pearson is proposing for the 2016-17 budget include 2 percent pay increases for employees and the township completely funding the chloride treatment of its roads.
According to Pearson, the township will save the taxpayers $16,000 out of pocket by paying the full-amount on the chloride treatment. He suggested funding it by using some of the money the township receives from cable television franchise fees and the METRO (Metropolitan Extension Telecommunication Rights-of-Way Oversight Authority) Act.
‘I think if we use them the right way, that would be a good way of giving back to our citizens,? Pearson said.
A public hearing for Addison’s 2016-17 budget is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb 8. Township board meetings take place inside the Addison Township Hall, located at 1440 Rochester Rd. in Lakeville.
While giving an introduction to the budget at the Jan. 11 township board meeting, Pearson noted that he believes it’s a ‘pretty good budget.? The general fund is approximately $1.5 million.
‘We’ve done well as far as the revenues coming in this year,? he said. ‘Our revenues from property taxes are up about $34,000 and revenue-sharing is up approximately $16,000 and our carry-over is projected at just under $70,000 (in the general fund).?
As far as changes in the general fund, Pearson said they increased clerical wages approximately $4,000, which brings it up to $36,100
‘As you know it’s very hard to get clerical people here. We’ve taken out the two-tier system for clerical,? he explained. ‘An administrative assistant has been turned into office assistant now (and) this will bring up the wages to maintain and attract future employees.?
Because of the 2 percent increases, the base pay of Pearson, Clerk Pauline Bennett and Treasurer Lori Fisher will increase from $33,711 to $34,385 per year. Along with the 2 percent increases to township employees, Pearson recommended all board and commission members receive $5 more per meeting.
The clerk’s department has an almost $8,000 increase in deputy wages.
‘If there is ever a time she needs a new deputy clerk or whatever, she should have the same choice that I or the treasurer does to have a part-time or full-time deputy,? Pearson said.
Pearson noted it’s time to look into making some improvements to Lakeville Cemetery, which is owned and maintained by the township.
‘Pauline has brought up that it’s become very important for cemeteries to have a place for cremains,? he said. ‘I think that’s a really good idea because as our cemetery fills up, we (can) put the ashes into big monuments. (It’s) something we want to look into.?
Bennett got estimated prices for this and they ranged from $6,000 and $10,000
‘It varies from company to company,? Bennett added. ‘Most bids were out of state and I’d like to get one out of Michigan.?
According to the budget, the budget request for the loan payment on the new township hall for 2016-17 is $133,000.
‘The building expenditures are winding down and we’re just about paid up on the building here,? Pearson noted.
As far as the police budget goes, Pearson said revenue from real property taxes increased $109,465 from last year bringing it up to just over $1.1 million.
‘I’d like to thank Enbridge, the oil company for that,? Pearson said, referring to the tax revenue they received for the oil pipeline that runs through the township.
The carry-over from last year’s police budget is $30,000. The contract between Addison and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office also increased by approximately $77,000 bringing it up to just over $1 million for 2016-17. Fire operations are up this year by approximately $9,600, making them $908,500. Meanwhile, fire capital is showing there will be a decrease of nearly $112,000. Parks and Recreation will remain the same at $91,000.
The board approved the four resolutions for the 2 percent pay increases and the boards and commissions stipend increases on 6-0 votes. Trustee John Boehmer was absent. Pearson noted that he believes his staff works hard and knows they did without any pay increases for a few years during the recession and he’s appreciative for all the ‘above and beyond? work they have done as it relates to the township hall.
‘I’m very proud of them and I think a 2 percent increase is really not enough, but it fits into my budget and it’s the best I can do, but I certainly do appreciate all they have done for us,? he added. ‘You only look as good as (the job done by) your employees. This board looks exceptionally good because we have such good employees.?