Garden City Passes Budget With 1.15 Percent Tax Increase

The Garden City Board of Trustees adopted its 2017-18 budget last week, increasing taxes by 1.15 percent and spending by 2.12 percent.

The $59 million budget was revised several times during budget work sessions in March. Most of the spending increase comes from a $800,000 increase in the village’s contribution to fund capital projects.

The village has been employing many cost-saving measures over the last months, and they are paying off in the budget, officials say. For example, the LED lighting project has an anticipated reduction of $147,000 in operating costs annually. The new water meters have captured resident water usage more accurately. A reduction in the village workforce has led to further savings. Department heads are also encouraged to seek out grant opportunities whenever possible to supplement, replace or reimburse existing capital funding sources.

Expenses are increasing by 2.12 percent, mostly due to spikes in funding for capital projects and health insurance costs, which is going up $700,000. Most of the $800,000 for capital projects is going to the purchase of a new fire truck.

On the revenue side, a reduction in special assessments of $240,000 is offset by increases in state fines and fees as well as other fees. Overall, revenues are increasing slightly year over year. Major sources of revenue again come from state aid, Building Department fees and Recreation programs, fees and rentals. Further, all three Enterprise Funds -- pool, tennis and water -- are forecasting to break even.

“I believe that this budget represents the evolution that our Finance Department has undertaken over the last four years,” said Trustee Robert Bolebruch, who served as finance commissioner. “We have seen our Finance Department streamline its procedures, increase fiscal accountability and develop a program with our independent auditors to assist our village department heads with their budgets. The net effect of these changes will be positively felt in our village for years to come.”

Photo: Suzie Alvey