News
Gray's
Budget Proposal: Up 25%
By Janet Neal
Gray--Town Manager Mitchell A. Berkowitz officially
presented his budget proposal to the Council at their
meeting on March 2. He stressed that the budget is
still a work in progress and that some changes would
likely occur. As presented, however, the tax impact
would be an increase of $94 per $100,000 of property
value. That does not include school or county increases.
Berkowitz stated that he was pleased that revenues
always exceed projections, and that the Town doesn't
always spend all of its adopted budget. The surpluses
collect in the Undesignated Fund Balance and this
"represents the wealth of our community"
he said, and lessens any need to borrow money. The
budget proposal includes spending $700,000 from this
Undesignated Fund Balance: $400,000 to start a reserve
account for a Town Office Center, and $300,000 for
bridge work.
The Manager's budget included $156,000 for COLA and
"market increases" for current employees.
On March 8th, however, the Compensation Committee,
composed entirely of Town employees, submitted their
own proposal for $214,795 in increases, $58,795 more
than budgeted.
The Council will hold a budget workshop on Thursday,
March 11 at 7 p.m. at Gray Library for Councilors
to discuss the proposed budget. There will be a public
hearing on Tuesday, March 16 for public questions
and comments.
Budget summaries can be picked up at the Town Office.
The full budget of detailed information is available
for perusal by the public at the Town Office and Library.
