HAMBURG
Town tax rate remains steady for the coming year
Hamburg taxpayers will see a 2009 tax bill much like this year’s under the $14.6 million budget the Town Board adopted Monday.
The budget — buoyed by $1 million in video lottery revenue — holds the tax rate at $8.99 per $1,000 of assessed value, or $4.05 for residents of the villages of Hamburg and Blasdell.
“You can’t argue with zero [increase],” said Joseph Kilian, a member of a taxpayers group.
The board also received a petition with more than 1,500 signatures calling for sidewalks to be installed along South Park Avenue. The presenters, a group of concerned residents, said they were responding to long-standing safety problems that have been highlighted by the death of a college student walking on the roadside in October.
“I live five houses away from the senior center, but I have to take the car,” said Eleanor Granica, 5391 South Park Ave.
Hilbert College student Meghan Sorbera was struck and killed Oct. 18 while walking home from her job at the haunted house on the Erie County Fairgrounds.
Councilwoman Joan Kesner said the town would forward the residents’ petition to state highway authorities who are responsible for the roadway, State Route 62.
The board’s unanimous adoption of the 2009 budget capped a sometimes contentious discussion over the past several weeks that focused on funding for highways and fire protection.
While taxes actually fell by a tiny 0.02 percent, some residents voiced concern that the town isn’t doing enough to tighten its belt.
“We as residents have to cut corners . . . we have to adapt,” said Ray Murray.
Highway funding rose 8 percent, still not enough to cover the fast-rising costs of fuel, salt and asphalt, department Superintendent Jim Connolly said.
Funding for fire districts increased 1.4 percent to $3.12 million, and the board signaled that it would increase oversight of fire companies’ spending. Volunteer companies are required to submit their audit reports for 2007 by the end of the month, Councilman Kevin Smardz said, and to notify the board before undertaking major spending.
Residents and board members learned from an Internet blogger in September that Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company had spent more than $300,000 on land for a possible new fire hall.
Town finances benefited from paying off outstanding debt this year, using video lottery terminal revenue from the state as the host municipality of Fairgrounds Gaming and Raceway. The move yields a reduction of $904,000 in debt service cost in the 2009 budget. In 2010, the town hopes to have additional funds to pay off a bond callable that year, further reducing debt service, Supervisor Steven Walters said.
Taxable property value throughout the town is to rise $35 million in the 2009 budget, or 1.7 percent.
