Sales Tax Distribution Outpaces Property Tax Revenues
Sales Tax Distribution Outpaces Property Tax Revenues
Ellicottville Mayor John Burrell announced during the Village Board meeting May 17th that the $495,572.61 in sales tax collected in the municipality in the fiscal year ending June 1st exceeded budget expectations by $56,833, or almost 13%. He said the village is "blessed" to have the kind of sales to generate that revenue. The recent sales tax payout by Cattaraugus County brought $125,335.01 to the village.
"We're pretty unusual (to receive) more sales tax than property tax," Burrell added, noting annual sales tax revenues are running about 179% more than the property tax revenues.
In 2022-2023 the Village expects to raise $295,160 in property taxes and owners should see a tax rate of about $2.12 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The 2022-2023 budget and a motion to override the state's 2 percent tax rate increase cap were approved in April, but Board members made those steps official Tuesday by holding a public hearing and adopting a resolution to exceed the tax levy limit by 0.12%. They also approved a long list of 2021-2022 end-of-year budget modifications to move unspent sums to accounts that were falling short in both the sewer and general funds. There were no comments during the public hearing.
Burrell also reported the State Comptroller has notified the Village that $5,658 will arrive in the form of AIM funding, or Aid and Incentive for Municipalities, which has seen no increase in 18 years.
In another financial matter, Board members agreed to move all but $10,000 from the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation's Skatepark account after learning that the nonprofit fundraising organization had experienced some losses in its investments during recent stock market fluctuations. Funds will be immediately transferred to a new Special Capital Fund account set up by the village to hold the money for construction costs as design work nears completion.
Kathy Elser, SK8EVL’s financial adviser, told Board members she agreed the funds should be moved. She also said she is seeking another $300,000 grant to help pay for a “Phase 2” of the project.
Elser, along with SK8EVL Committee members Brenda and Chris Perks, and Parks Commissioner Sean Lowes, reported on two successful community meetings and outlined what tasks are ahead as the project picks up steam. Lowes reported the park is still in the preliminary design phase, with Grindline expected to present some design revisions to the Steering Committee later this month.
The skatepark committee is also working on scheduling a groundbreaking ceremony and making lighting and signage decisions.
Lowes said planning continues for the separate EVGV Trail, but raised the possibility for a trail connection guiding EVGV users to the Village Park and its facilities, including the Skatepark. He also asked the Board to consider constructing a future pickleball court at the old skatepark location due to the sport's increasing popularity.
In other matters, Burrell said he will begin meeting separately with the village's department heads in an effort to discuss budgeting and to insure projects will get underway after funding plans are approved by the Board. He pointed to the water plant and Elk Creek cleanup as two of those projects and noted sidewalk replacement has begun but appropriations aren't authorized until after June 1st.
"We need a larger conversation about what we're doing (as a board)," said Burrell, after none of the Trustees took up his request to require department heads' attendance at board meetings. "I want to make sure everything we want and need is getting done."
Commenting after the meeting, Burrell said Elk Creek is a pet project of his and he will continue to raise the issue until it's finished. He said work is going forward on many fronts, but he aims to improve communications.
Officials reported there will be a June 30th closing date for the Village's purchase of the Mill Street property for use as a tourist parking lot. Burrell said the funds for purchase have been promised by the Cattaraugus County Legislature, with the search underway for construction grant funding.
Trustee Caitlin Croft responded to a May 10th letter from Sheila McKinnon Gallagher and M.J. Brown, which requested Burrell reinstate and lead the Refuse Committee that was disbanded in April after looking into complaints about recycling and garbage pickup.
The Board then briefly discussed Town and Village Engineering Director Ben Slotman's request to purchase a replacement computer and other equipment valued at about $5,000 after his system failed while running engineering software. He said the expense is not budgeted, but the Town Board has agreed to pay for half the cost if the Village pays half.
Board members will provide Slotman with a laptop that is being returned to the village by a former worker if it fits specifications. Officials hope the expense can serve as the Village’s 50% share of the cost.
After the Board meeting ended, Burrell led a 2022-2023 reorganizational session in which the Board approved a long list of appointments, the addition of the Juneteenth holiday, and agreed to part-time temporary employment of Dave Dixon, who will be working with the Alley Katz. Also approved was a 5.9% pay raise for all employees, as well as Stanton's request to hike his $175 per hour contract rate to $225 per hour.
The Board will next meet on Tuesday, June 21st at 6:00pm. For agenda and information on how to attend, visit ellicottvillegov.com.