SPENCER — The Spencer town board discussed several proposed budget items Tuesday, including the possibilities of giving employees a bonus based on longevity and changing the code enforcement position from a part-time to full-time job.
During a nearly two and a half hour workshop, aldermen said they want to consider eliminating the fee residents pay to have the town collect extra, oversized garbage like old televisions, and doing away altogether with the bulk item process, which takes a lot of labor and time for town staffers. The new fiscal year starts July 1.
Town Manager Larry Smith said the town’s estimated ad valorem tax revenue for the upcoming year is $1,210,452, down about $17,000 or 1.4 percent from the current year. The estimated tax base itself only dropped about 0.004 percent, but the county’s collection rate dropped almost a full percent, accounting for the difference, Smith said.
The estimated effect of 1 cent on the tax rate is $20,650. The town’s current property tax rate is 62.8 cents.
Smith said he asked for guidance from the board so he can come up with a proposed budget. The next budget workshop is set for 6:30 p.m. May 20 at Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Aldermen praised town employees for keeping spending under budget and said they want to reward them with a bonus, Smith said.
They also instructed Smith to try to convert the code enforcement officer position to a fulltime job, if the budget would allow, he said.
Smith said he has consensus from the board to include possible capital expenditures, as long as the budget would cover the costs. Expenses include:
• Police
One replacement vehicle, one Watchguard camera, one radar replacement, leads online and back to full staffing (offset by 75 percent reimbursement on revenues side)
• Public Works
Ford Ranger replacement, mower replacement
• Fire
Siren repair, auto-electric defibrillator, grants for self-contained breathing apparatus
• Administrative Items
Longevity bonus, cost of living adjustment, salary study and compression analysis
• Wildcards
Software, insurance