Only slight increase in Perrysburg budget

by Mary Pankow

     Budget Officer Cindy Lauer introduced the preliminary budget at a hearing held before the Perrysburg Town Board’s regular meeting Oct. 11. After all was said and done, the amount to be raised by taxes, $394,319, is up only $12,001 over last year’s amount.

     An increase of $1,000 in salary for the highway superintendent, various contractual expenses, snow removal expense and employee benefits (social security, retirement) account for the majority of the budget increase. Some estimated revenues were also up, however, offsetting some of the expense, leaving the amount to be raised by taxes up only $12,001. The impact on tax bills is expected to be barely noticeable, Lauer said.

     In other matters, the board:

   •  Was informed by Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Jim Pacanowski that a final notice has been sent to a code violator in Versailles. The excess vehicles on the property have been removed, but the trash is still there and has been for two months or more.
     Pacanowski also said that the state and International Code Council (ICC) will be revising codes.
   •  Received the justices’ report that gave a breakdown of cases as follows: Justice Jonette Taber - 24 vehicle and traffic, four penal, two environmental conservation, one ag and markets and two dismissed for a total of $2,871. Justice Connie Johnson - 12 vehicle and traffic, one penal and five dismissed for a total of $1,595.
     The total sent to the state comptroller’s office was $4,466.
   •  Heard Highway Superintendent Charlie Leight’s report that noted the highway building roof has been coated.
     Leight also said his crew has been remedying problems caused by the heavy rains from hurricane Frances. A headwall that had to be rebuilt on Pudding Lane is one example of the storm’s aftermath.
     A new plow has been ordered for the 1 ton, Leight said.
     Leight also noted the roadside trash problem is escalating, he noted. Garbage and tires are littering the roadways.
   •  Announced the surveying for the Versailles Water Project has begun.
   •  Approved the hiring of Fiscal Advisors and Marketing Inc. at a cost of approximately $2,500 to move forward with the bonding for the Prospect Street Water Project. The firm will search out the best rates and advise the town on the best financial institution to borrow the money from for the project.
     Fiscal Advisors will also provide the town with a spreadsheet for record-keeping purposes, aiding the town in streamlining the process.
   •  Noted that the town and village still hope to acquire a portion of the JN Adam property needed to continue providing water to residents in the Central Water District.

     Also, wells on Mosher Road will need to be restored to ensure a sufficient water supply. The JN Adam water system will also need “remodeling.”

     The next Town of Perrysburg Board meeting is Monday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the town hall.