Look for a significant tax rate increase in the Town of Newfane next year, while the Town of Royalton rates will decrease slightly, as both towns hold public hearings on their proposed 2010 town budgets tonight.

Newfane’s public hearing is slated for 6:30 p. m. in Town Hall, 2876 Transit Road, while Royalton’s is set for 7 p. m. in Town Hall, 5316 Royalton Center Road, Middleport.

Newfane Supervisor Timothy Horanburg said the Town Board is presenting a budget that includes a tax rate increase that would cost the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 about $24 more than this year.

The current town budget included an increase equivalent to $3.50 total per household on a home assessed at $100,000.

Horanburg said the proposed rate increase is necessary despite a drop from the current $7.7 million to a proposed $6.7 million town budget for next year.

The town, which collects fees from various special districts in place of an overall town tax, will see its sewer rates rise $10 per unit; and fire protection, refuse collection and lighting would increase 4 cents each per $1,000 of assessed valuation, while the water rates would remain flat.

The proposed budget also includes a 2.5-percent pay raise for town employees, except the town board and supervisor.

In Royalton, the proposed budget is $5.5 million, but taxes are dropping due to the town’s use of surplus funds.

The proposed tax rate in the town is $3.09 per $1,000, a 3- percent drop, while residents of the Village of Middleport will see their tax rate drop 4 percent, to $1.74 per $1,000.

“Our board is cognizant of the residents, and we’re taking into consideration our economy, as long as we’re still providing services,” said Supervisor Richard Lang. “This was a very difficult year. We are going to purchase some equipment, but we’re not bonding for it. We try and save the money to make the purchase and only buy what we can afford.”

The Town of Hartland adopted its proposed $2.3 million budget Thursday. Fire protection rates are up 3 percent, as are Water District No. 2 rates, while refuse collection will increase $6 per unit, to $218 total per household, according to town officials.

This budget also included a 3-percent raise for all town employees.