MEXICO – Selectmen took no action Wednesday night on a resolution by the Mexico Taxpayers’ Association to cut the tax rate to reflect lower education costs this year.
They also doubled the size of the Budget Committee.
Town Manager John Madigan said once the municipal budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 is completed, education costs will be added and a tax rate set. A reduction from the current rate of $28.50 per $1,000 valuation will happen if the education assessment drops, he said.
The latest figures from the state show Mexico will pay $300,000 less to SAD 43 than last year.
Madigan said the budget-setting process began last week with a meeting with town department heads. He told the board he expects to have a preliminary budget ready for selectmen by March 9. At that time, selectmen will set up meetings with the Budget Committee to work on a spending plan.
“We need to look at the whole picture, then decide what we can afford,” he said.
Meetings will also be scheduled with social service agencies to hear requests for money.
Once selectmen adopt a budget, townspeople will vote on it at the annual June town meeting.
Budget Committee Chairman Byron Ouellette, a member of the Mexico Taxpayers Association, had requested appointment of more members to the committee in light of the town’s reported budget deficit.
Appointed were Betty Barrett, Albert Aniel, Rick Davis, William Welch, Rich Allen, Marjorie Richard and Kent Mann. Several are also members of the taxpayers’ association.
A preliminary audit last October showed an estimated $300,000 deficit due to reserve accounts being drained and surplus money spent.
Madigan said he has submitted the remaining paperwork required for auditor Keel Hood to complete the audit for fiscal year 2004. That report is expected next week.
Madigan said the town has not had any surplus money for a couple of years.
“We need that final audit to know where the town is,” he said.
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