Fillmore holds budget hearing

FILLMORE — With a new budget for next year waiting in the wings, Fillmore’s operations are set to only see a $2,291 increase from 2021.

The Fillmore Town Council held a public hearing on its estimated budget for 2022 at its regular meeting Thursday evening.

The General Fund’s estimate is planned at $74,576. With the current tax levy at $53,085, the town’s estimated funds to be raised for 2022 is $55,376.

Meanwhile, the Local Street and Road Fund’s budget is set at $15,000, the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund at $49,911, the Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) Fund at $30,000 and the Public Safety Local Income Tax (LIT) Fund at $13,500. These will not have any impact on the levy percentage difference.

Taken all together, the estimated civil maximum levy would stand at $55,376, with the property tax cap credit estimated at $1,720. The town’s total budget would be $182,987.

The council is set to adopt the budget at its next regular meeting.

In other business:

• The council signed off on a resolution acknowledging Liberty Trailers’ compliance with statements of benefits for tax abatements. Stating that Liberty has been doing “very, very well” in terms of production, Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Executive Director Kristin Clary provided that the trailer manufacturer was almost up to 60 employees.

• The council re-read its first reading of Ordinance 2021-3, which sets out special circumstances for no or reduced billing for water and wastewater. This would include residents who may be “snowbirds,” vacant and non-rented properties and residents doing repairs up to 90 days. The original ordinance was amended to spell out a $50 upfront charge for turning water on and off. The ordinance is set to be adopted next month after the second reading.

Town Marshal Darrel Bunten and Utilities Operator Joe Cash were not in attendance. Meanwhile, joining the council were Clerk-Treasurer Jayna Haldeman and Town Attorney Jeff Boggess.

The next regular meeting of the Fillmore Town Council is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Fillmore Town Hall.