Supervisor Smith's 2019 Budget: Tax Cuts for Pittsford; Hearing 11/7

BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING IS WEDNESDAY, 11/7 AT 6PM AT TOWN HALL
Town Supervisor Bill Smith filed his proposed 2019 Town Budget with the Town Clerk on Tuesday, October 16.  Supervisor Smith’s proposed 2019 budget cuts the Town tax rate by 6.6% and reduces the overall Town tax levy by 1.3% while maintaining and improving Town services.
 
“A budget is a reflection of priorities, and this budget states this administration’s priorities clearly,” said Supervisor Smith. “We are lowering taxes for Pittsford residents by cutting both the property tax rate and tax levy. The budget reinforces my commitment to building stronger neighborhoods through additional funding for road repair and highway staffing. We are also ensuring an ever-brighter future for Pittsford’s youth and seniors with additional funding to support both groups. Pittsford taxpayers can continue to expect a Pittsford Town administration that lives within its means, strives to do more with less and always puts the interests of residents first.”
 
Highlights from Supervisor Smith’s proposed 2019 budget include:

• Cuts the Town tax rate by 6.6% and reduces the overall Town tax levy while maintaining and improving Town services
• Town tax continues to comprise less than $0.09 of every dollar in property taxes paid by Pittsford residents
• Budget is in full compliance with the tax cap
• Funding for two new positions in the Highway Department, specifically dedicated to response to requests by residents
• An additional $337,000 in road repair funds will allow us to become more aggressive in our schedule of road resurfacing and maintenance.
• An additional $75,000 for community and resident services to enhance working directly with residents and neighborhood groups to address needs
• Funds Pittsford Youth Services (PYS) at $53,540 – a 48% increase over the last two years, and fully funds PYS’s budget request for next year
• Increases funding for senior programs by 8.48% over last year.
• Accommodates the increase in personnel costs imposed by the State increase in the Minimum Wage Rate
• Provides $87,500 for necessary maintenance for the Library, now 13 years old, including painting, carpeting and a new HVAC unit.  

Click the links to see Supervisor Smith’s budget memo, the 2019 proposed budget, the 2019 proposed budget highlights, and the 2019 proposed budget news release.  A public hearing is expected to be held on the budget on Wednesday, November 7 at 6:00PM at Pittsford Town Hall.