Written byPOCOMOKE CITY -- The proposed budget for next year's municipal spending calls for the same tax rate for owner-occupied homes, 75 cents per $100 assessment, as they were charged last year. But rates for other real property would rise by four cents, to 80 cents per $100 of assessed value; and the budget calls for some increases in what property owners and businesses pay for municipal utilities.
The general fund portion of the budget, which pays for salaries and services like streetlights, road maintenance and trash pickup, is set to rise 3 percent, from $4.96 million to $5.1 million. A fund for ambulance service is planned to go up 5 percent, from $823,000 to $867,000.
One increase for city residents is the trash disposal fee, which will be raised 50 cents per month to $9.50.
City Manager Russell W. Blake is expecting an increase in highway user funds from $22,900 to $59,200.
The $5 million upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant is expected to be completed by the end of this month. The only funds coming from the city will be $102,078, with the rest coming from grants, according to the budget.
Some other income expected includes $400,000 in economic development funds from Worcester County; $110,000 in room taxes; $40,000 from the county liquor department; $50,000 in franchise fees from the CATV service; and funds from other sources.
There are expected to be savings in personnel costs because of retirements and resignations in the public works department, the police department, the ambulance service and the golf course.
Some other major costs include $150,000 for street lighting; over $100,000 for worker's compensation; $720,000 for health insurance payments, which is less than if the town had remained with Blue Cross (the town is self-insured); and $100,000 for street paving and repairs.
Blake has also included $20,000 to hire a new half-time employee to help promote downtown and work on other economic development. This money would come from a previous grant for downtown business start-ups and expansions.
Under other business Mayor Bruce Morrison presented a plaque to former Mayor Michael A. McDermott in recognition of his six years as mayor of Pocomoke City; he presented a proclamation to Bill Kerbin in recognition of his being named to the newspaper Hall of Fame; and swore in Jarmel Gibson and Jessica Villanueva as the town's new police officers.
Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110609/WCT01/106090310/Pocomoke-officials-plan-for-main-budget-fund-to-rise?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s
Because the estimated value of Shore properties has declined recently, on average, no property owner should see an increase in any tax bills, town officials predicted.
The total budget for all three areas calls for spending $8.5 million next year, compared to $10.6 million in expenses in the current year. The drop in spending follows the end of one-time grants for upgrades to the sewer plant, which were taken in and spent right away in this year's budget. The water and sewer fund is shrinking from $4.8 million to $2.5 million.
The general fund portion of the budget, which pays for salaries and services like streetlights, road maintenance and trash pickup, is set to rise 3 percent, from $4.96 million to $5.1 million. A fund for ambulance service is planned to go up 5 percent, from $823,000 to $867,000.
One major cost for residents of Pocomoke City is the bill for water and sewer service, which will remain the same for owner-occupied homes. All other properties will see a 15 percent increase, the first in several years, if the proposed budget passes.
One increase for city residents is the trash disposal fee, which will be raised 50 cents per month to $9.50.
City Manager Russell W. Blake is expecting an increase in highway user funds from $22,900 to $59,200.
That's still down from recent years; in 2008 the town received $240,000 in state funding for city streets. That figure was substantially reduced the following year.
The $5 million upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant is expected to be completed by the end of this month. The only funds coming from the city will be $102,078, with the rest coming from grants, according to the budget.
Concerning expenses, the town plans to increase employees' salaries by two percent to cover the state increase in their pension contributions. Another two percent cost of living allowance is planned because, officials said, they have not received raises for three years.
There are expected to be savings in personnel costs because of retirements and resignations in the public works department, the police department, the ambulance service and the golf course.
A major cost from the general fund is an $87,324 subsidy for the ambulance fund. The general fund will also have to subsidize the water and sewer fund to the tune of $22,356. With the purchase of the new building on Market Street for the Police Department, Blake estimates that the interior renovations next year will cost about $100,000.
Some other major costs include $150,000 for street lighting; over $100,000 for worker's compensation; $720,000 for health insurance payments, which is less than if the town had remained with Blue Cross (the town is self-insured); and $100,000 for street paving and repairs.
Blake has also included $20,000 to hire a new half-time employee to help promote downtown and work on other economic development. This money would come from a previous grant for downtown business start-ups and expansions.
The council will meet June 20 to vote on the final passage. The July meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5.
The council granted the Rev. Barbara Bassuener, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, permission to hold services one day a week in Cypress Park. Along with the service, bag lunches would be provided for homeless people attending.
Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110609/WCT01/106090310/Pocomoke-officials-plan-for-main-budget-fund-to-rise?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s
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