MAYOR AND COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET FOR FY2023
Mayor Foster called the budget public hearing to order at 6:06 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Tim O’Brien, Tom Herz, Jose Medrano and Meghan Efland, W. S. Ingersoll (Town Manager), Jennifer McCann (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Foster read the public notice that was published in the Kent County News on May 19 and May 26, into the record as follows:
“At 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2022, the Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY22-23 Town Budget. Citizens are encouraged to attend and will be welcome to make oral comments. Written comments are also welcome. The budget proposes remaining at the current tax rate of $.43 and is available for review in the office of the Mayor and Council.”
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the budget was balanced with no increases in taxes. Total revenues were $6,227,014 over expenses of $6,033,474 leaving an excess of $204,049.00.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Council recommended at 10% increase across the board and that was included in the latest budget. The Utilities and Marina Budgets are also balanced. Mr. Ingersoll stated that there was a healthy unappropriated surplus on hand (which cannot be used in the budget).
Mr. Ingersoll stated that a portion of ARPA funding will be used for road paving projects and as fuel costs come down, the Town could pave more streets. Mayor Foster stated that the planned ARPA expenditures for roads and water and sewer projects would not show in this budget.
Mr. Ingersoll explained that the bid for road paving had a fuel factor as part of it and will change depending on the cost of fuel.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the budget reveals that the assessable base is improving. He said that the bi-weekly contract amount for curbside recycling had also been factored into the budget and he was waiting on a signed contract.
There being no other questions or comments, Mr. Herz moved to adjourn the budget meeting at 6:15 p.m. was seconded by Ms. Efland and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer McCann David Foster
Town Clerk Mayor