Hillsborough’s Proposed Budget Holds Line on Tax Rate; Public Input Welcome

WHAT: Workshops, public hearing on proposed FY2011 budget

WHEN: 7 p.m. May 24 and 27

WHERE: Town Barn, located on the Town Hall campus, 101 E. Orange St. Parking is accessed from East Corbin Street.

The Town of Hillsborough’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2011 includes no property tax or water rate increase.

Operating expenses would total $14.1 million, with $7.2 million in expenses in the General Fund and $6.9 million in expenses in the Water/Sewer Fund. Under the proposed budget, General Fund expenses would increase 1.9 percent from Fiscal Year 2010 and Water/Sewer Fund expenses would decrease by 5.1 percent.

Sufficient cuts and deferments in spending were proposed to maintain the current tax rate of 62 cents per $100 of assessed valuation — $1,550 on a house valued at $250,000. An appropriation of $434,632 from the town’s savings would be needed to balance the budget.

A 5 percent sewer rate increase is proposed to address immediate needs in the wastewater collection system and wastewater treatment plant. The increase would cost an extra 38 cents per 1,000 gallons for in-town customers and an extra 74 cents for out-of-town customers. The typical residential usage of 4,000 gallons per month would cost an additional $1.52 per month for in-town customers and $2.96 per month for out-of-town customers.

A copy of the recommended budget can be found on the Town Budget page of the town’s Web site. The page is located under “Town Government.”

The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners will hold workshops at 7 p.m. May 24 and 27 in the Town Barn to review and make changes to the proposed budget. A public hearing will take place May 27. The board could consider approval of the budget as early as its June 14 meeting.

Public comments and suggestions are welcome throughout the process. They may be made through the May 27 public hearing or anytime through e-mail and phone calls to Town Manager Eric Peterson, elected officials and town staff. To reach Town Hall, call 732-1270. The manager’s extension is 80. To reach Mayor Tom Stevens’ office, located in the Town Hall Annex, call 732-2104 Ext. 233.