By Joyce Kryszak
Amherst, NY – Taxes won't be plummeting next year as many Amherst town residents had hoped - or voted for. New Supervisor Satish Mohan is proposing a budget that comes in far short of his campaign promise of a ten percent cut.
The nearly $110 million plan actually increases spending slightly. But the 600 thousand dollars extra that's needed is offset by some cuts and a spike in property assessments.
Bottom line, residents would see a roughly one percent drop in their tax rate - if the budget is approved.
Mohan said cutting deeper would have meant ignoring some dire immediate needs.
Some of the crumbling areas include: a $3 million inherited deficit, flood control, a youth center for the deteriorating Eggertsville neighborhood and garbage totes to chase away rats.
As a start toward smaller government - and larger tax cuts in the future - Mohan proposes cutting overtime in half and five positions from the planning department.
Amherst Councilwoman and Mohan supporter Shelly Schratz said that will be a tough sell with the council.
The town council has until the end of the month to make any changes and hammer out a deal.
With some available surpluses, they could theoretically cut taxes further. That has not been the case usually on the tightly divided board. If they fail to approve a budget, Mohan's plan goes into effect by default. The public can offer its input at a hearing set for October 16.
Click the "listen" icon above to hear Joyce Kryszak's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.