Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - So as to not affect the 2003 budget, the Syracuse Town Council Tuesday approved a $7,500 reduction in its 2002 budget.
According to the clerk-treasurer's office, when the town council prepared its 2003 budget, it was told to use the 2001 County Option Income Tax figures (approximately $605,000). Since then, the state has told the town what the real numbers are they are to use (approximately $576,000) to determine the 2003 estimated budget. For the general fund budget to "come out," the town council had a choice to reduce the 2002 or 2003 budget. Elgie Tatman, clerk-treasurer, recommended the 2002 budget be reduced and the town council agreed.
At its Sept. 17 meeting at 7 p.m., a resolution will be introduced to make the reduction as approved.
The 2003 proposed budget was then given its first reading. The 2003 estimated budget includes $1,931,350 for the general fund; $572,118 for street motor vehicle highway fund; $234,555 for park; $13,025 for cumulative park; $10,000 for cumulative fire; $183,879 for EMS; $5,000 for law enforcement continuing education fund; $0 for cumulative storm sewer; $203,275 for Economic Development Income Tax fund; $0 for cumulative capital improvement fund; $42,000 for cumulative capital development; and $0 for debt service.
The total 2003 estimated budget is $3,195,202.
Per Tatman's request, the town council approved to change the payday for town employees for 2003 from Wednesdays to Thursdays.
"I am having trouble getting it done by Wednesday," Tatman said. She said she wants more time to get all the payroll complete. Council president Barbara Carwile said the town does have more employees.
Councilman Bill Hane recommended the department heads notify their employees of the change ahead of time.
In final business, the council approved a resolution designating Sept. 11, 2002, as Patriot Day in Syracuse.
Members of the council present at Tuesday's special meeting were Carwile, Hane and Paul A. Stoelting. Not present were Michael E. Davis and Carol F. Koble.
