Dundee plans hearing for tax override

    DUNDEE—A law in Dundee has been proposed to override the two percent tax cap enacted by N.Y. State this year. During the March 27 meeting, the board passed a resolution to hold a public hearing regarding the legislation which would apply to the upcoming village budget. The new fiscal year in Dundee begins June 1.
    The hearing on waiving the tax cap has been set for Tuesday, April 10. During that time, residents will also have the opportunity to comment on the proposed spending plan for 2012-13. The law put in place by the state includes an eight-step process that must be used to determine a tax levy limit. Even with its name, taxes do not necessarily have to be levied by two percent. According to Village Clerk/Treasurer Christine Sutherland, the tax levy in Dundee could be increased by as much as 3.02 percent for the upcoming fiscal year.
    The budget for 2011-12 in Dundee is $1,411,834. Sutherland noted that number is anticipated to rise to $1,432,059 (1.8 percent increase) for next year. Mayor Fred Cratsley Jr. stated with the projected spending plan, he does not expect the levy increase to exceed the limit that would be placed on the village if the tax cap is applied. However, Cratsley referred to waiving the tax cap as a “safety net” in case mistakes are found in the paperwork dealing with upcoming budget. He mentioned the village could be penalized by the state if the tax cap was applied and the levy ended up surpassing limitations. “We’re just doing this to avoid stiff penalties,” said Cratsley.
    Voting by the board on the budget and tax cap waiver will take place following the public hearing. Overriding the tax cap will require at least 60 percent approval from board members.
    In other business:
    • The purchase of 31 portable radios, 11 mobile radios, and 12 pagers for the fire department from Leavitt Communications was approved. The total cost of the equipment is $54,218.80. However, $46,693 of the purchase will come out of the grant the fire department received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in January.
    • The board approved $9,597.38 of audited vouchers/transfers.
    • The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, April 10 at the village hall at 7 p.m. Prior to the meeting, the hearing on the budget and waiving the tax cap will take place at 6:30 p.m.