Village works on budget Police hours may be cut 50 percent

MILLBROOK — The mayor and trustees of the village of Millbrook have been working together in public workshops every Monday evening to put together a village budget for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2011. The final version of the budget is set to be adopted on Tuesday, April 26. As the numbers stand, as of press time, the amount of the village tax levy is $879,970, a slight reduction compared to last year, although tax rates will rise because assessed property values have declined again. In other words, taxes collected will fall, but tax rates will rise on lower property values.In order to hold the line on taxes, the village police department will see hours on duty slashed by 50 percent, saving more than $50,000 a year. “We need to determine when we want coverage and what can be eliminated,” said Mayor Laura Hurley.Every item in the budget is being scrutinized — whether it’s the cost of leasing or buying a new snow blower, repairing the tennis courts or operating the copy machine. Total operating expenses have been reduced despite state mandated increases in retirement benefits. Tough decisions are being made, Hurley said. There will be no increase in salaries for village employees, judges or trustees. The cost of employee health insurance will be reduced $10,000 by adopting a higher deductible plan similar to that of the town of Washington. The amount spent on maintenance for the Thorne Building will be cut by $35,000, by turning off all systems and eliminating any projected capital improvements. “We intend to shut the building down until we determine what to do with it,” said Hurley. “That means drain the pipes and turn off the heat, which is really our only expense up there.” The Washington Town Board sat in on the Village Board’s budget meeting on Monday, April 11, when the fire department presented its budget request of $341,245, a slight increase since last year. On Monday, April 18, the village will consider the water and sewer revenues and expenses before finalizing the budget.