SYRACUSE - Syracuse Town Council used their September meeting to conduct the first reading and public hearing of the town's proposed 2010 budget, and also pass one resolution.
The budget estimate for 2010 is $2,611,735. Maximum estimated funds to be raised, including appeals and levies exempt from maximum levy limitations, are $1,469,452. Current tax levy is $1,420,715. This budget is based on an assessed value of $200,485,103.Town budgets are approved upon final reading provided 10 or more taxpayers do not object to the budget, tax rate or tax levy. They may do so by filing an objecting petition with proper officer of the political subdivision, or council in this case, within seven days of the hearing. The council then is obligated to produce findings based on the specific objection(s). Any objection findings are them included with the final budget draft when submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance. There were no such challenges offered at this hearing, so final adoption of the 2010 budget for the town of Syracuse will be Oct. 20 at the regularly scheduled council meeting.
The council passed a tax abatement declaratory resolution for Technical Services. The resolution designates Technical Services as an economic revitalization area.
Technical Services, Sycamore Street, is an engineering firm specializing in work for the marine, automotive and agricultural industries.
The abatement will allow the company to build two separate buildings, upgrade equipment and hire more staff. This resolution will be finalized with passage of a confirmatory resolution at the council's October meeting.
The topic of why no left turns are allowed from Medusa unto Huntington Street was again brought up by the council. When traffic is heavy, people often cut through the adjacent business' parking lot, which in itself is not illegal.
However, there was an ordinance adopted in 2001 that specifically prohibited left turns from Medusa, because of safety issues. It was decided that the older ordinance will be rescinded at the October meeting upon presentation and acceptance of a properly worded ordinance.
Town Manager Henry DeJulia was granted permission to apply for a grant to provide for more energy-efficient lighting at the town hall. A second grant, for heating and cooling at the town hall, was also sought by DeJulia and was approved by the council.
In financial matters, Town Marshal Tony Ciriello was approved to spend $5,760 to upgrade computer access in all police vehicles, which also allow for access with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
Ciriello also sought permission to purchase a new bullet proof vest for the department. The department's current vests are now five years old and must be replaced, according to a new state law as well as the manufacturer's guidelines. The council approved $5,970 for the purchase of 10 level 2 vests from the Ray O'Herron Company.
Tom Miller, of Severn Trent, presented the council with the water department's request to replace a 15-year-old 4-inch meter at the elementary school. Cost is $2,600, and was approved by the council.
Payment of claims for September in the amount of $304,814.05 was approved by the council.
Syracuse town council members are Cassie Cowan, Bill Musser, Brian Woody, Paul Stoelting and Larry Siegel.
