RVC Approves Budget With 1.72 % Tax Increase

The Village of Rockville Centre adopted its 2017-18 budget, which includes the smallest tax increase in 24 years.

Taxes will be increasing under the budget by 1.72 percent, which translates to an extra $65.06 for the average Rockville Centre house. The $44,731,111 budget covers all of the village's expenses and doesn't sacrifice any services for residents, and stays under the tax cap.

"I believe the 2018 budget balances the need to hold down taxes and maintain the services that residents have come to expect and enjoy," said Mayor Francis X. Murray. "At the same time, we are staying under the tax cap for the fifth consecutive year. In addition, this budget should preserve the impressive financial stability and strength of our village."

The budget includes nearly $230,000 in new spending for the village's police department. The majority of that funding, $162,000, is for increases to police salaries. Another $45,500 is for new equipment.

One of the largest drivers of the budget increase is employee benefits, which is going up $542,119. Most of that is due to increases in health and dental insurance.

"The spending plan we are putting forth is the product of a great deal of work by the village administrator, comptroller and our department heads to hold down costs wherever possible," Murray said. "We will continue to look for ways to reduce costs and bring in additional revenue to the village, including being aggressive in pursuing grant money, private/public partnerships, and gifts to make improvements at little expense to our residents."

You can read the complete budget that the Board of Trustees adopted by clicking here.

Photo: Patch