Clermont Council Holds Budget HearingThe Clermont Town Council reviewed the proposed budget during its August 31 public hearing that is expected to increase the budget by $4,000 from last year. The proposed 2008 budget is $642,100. Clerk Treasurer Kathy Arauco explained the maximum levy is $511,300 because of left over monies from the current budget. The general fund is higher because fire protection and equipment have been included in the fund since dissolving the fire protection territory July 1. According to Council President Bob Hinshaw, a fire contract still has not been agreed upon with Wayne Township. The council paid $40,000 in "good faith" to cover the next six months until an agreement is reached. The Department of Local Government Finance calculated the town's net assessed valuation of $58,000,000, a 5 percent drop than last year. Hinshaw said all of this could change after the reassessment is conducted. This would include a proposed tax rate of .8782 per $100 of assessed valuation for the general fund Councilor John Miller said Police Chief George Hughes declined his pay raise of $1,114 and asked it to be given to his deputies. The proposed total salaries for police department is $96,468. The council is expected to draft an salary ordinance effective January 1, 2008. Miller also informed the council that Hughes wanted to purchase a used police car. However, Hinshaw said he was not in favor of buying someone else's problems. He contends there should be enough money in the budget next year for a new police car. The council is expected to adopt the budget at the special September 14 meeting. |
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