The Greendale Finance Committee approved a proposed 2013 budget to send to the board that included a 1.2 percent tax levy increase.
Committee members said on Monday that even though the tax levy increased 1.2 percent, from $9.1 to $9.2 million, residents would only see about 0.8% increase on their property tax bill.
Village Manger Todd Michaels said this is because the Village got slightly larger with new development, such as the Southridge Mall area, and the assessed value increased.
Assuming assessments stay the same, an average Greendale homeowner—with a property value of $201,272—would see their village taxes increase by $13.45, to $1,567.56 from $1,554.11, according to a memo from Village Manager Todd Michaels.
The 2013 proposed village budget of $13,938,024 is down one percent from 2012. said Village Manager Todd Michaels.
Members were also split between budgeting one or two cars for the Greendale Police Department.
The budget also includes $470,000 for road repair. All board members at the meeting were in agreement with this number, except for Trustee Carl Genz who called for a $70,000-$100,000 reduction.
The Village Board will approve the final budget on December 4 at Village Hall at 7 p.m.
I read the 2012 budget a few weeks ago. So, now I'll have to compare it to 2013's (which I also urge other residents to do as well). We need more people like Carl to be on watch for overspending. Lastly, I think the last sentence should read "will vote to approve".
Money being used by citizens in the economy will do better for Greendale then money sitting in a fund balance collecting dust. Lets worry about future expenditures later when we can be taxed for the exact amount needed, not some arbitrary number.
To President Hermes' comment, it's a shame that we couldn't get our Police Chief the squad car that he wanted and trimmed his budget for. I would hope that 2013 brings in more revenue (mainly from WalMart opening), that we can re-add this to the 2014 budget. I also commend Carl Genz for looking for alternate ways to "chip away" just a little more to get to that ZERO mark.
So, recommenting on my statement on November 27th, you will probably see a tax increase, but you cannot direct your blame to the Village. We, as a community, need to find out "why" these outside taxes keep increasing...mainly the MATC tax.