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Bethel board previews balanced $1.52M budget, sets June 3 public hearing
Summary
The Bethel Town Board reviewed a proposed $1,521,553 balanced budget that holds the tax rate at 45¢ per $100, includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, and schedules a June 3 public hearing; the manager said insurance renewals remain pending and some capital funding will rely on fund balance and grants.
The Bethel Town Board reviewed a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget that would keep the town's tax rate at 45 cents per $100 of assessed value and sets total general fund revenues and expenditures at $1,521,553.
Town Manager (name on file with the board) told commissioners the budget is framed around a balanced approach "where dollar revenues meet our expenditures" and uses fund balance for one-time capital projects rather than ongoing operations. He said the town's property valuation increased to about $116,410,000, roughly a 3.6% rise from the prior year.
The manager highlighted key budget features: a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, top-line revenue sources including ad valorem and local option sales taxes (sales tax identified as the second-largest local source at about $480,000), and a contingency of $25,000. He said investment earnings have exceeded prior projections and that certain grants (the SCIF grant balance shown as $233,000 and an RTG grant earmarked for Smith Street Park) factor into the capital plan.
Commissioners reviewed a detailed fee schedule in the packet. Proposed changes include increasing rezoning and variance application fees from $200 to $300, raising certain permit fees modestly (noise and golf cart permits), introducing a $50 food-truck permit, and adjusting park rental fees (Smith Street Park: $35/day plus deposit; Field of Dreams: $45/day plus deposit). The manager said nonprofits would be charged deposits on park and senior center reservations but would be exempt from facility fees.
On personnel costs, the manager said the town's retirement contribution rate mandated by the state rose from 13.64% to 14.35%, hospitalization costs increased slightly year-over-year, and the 401(k) and life-insurance provisions remained unchanged.
The manager proposed holding a public hearing on the budget on June 3; commissioners may adopt the budget that night or have until June 30 to adopt it. He noted one outstanding item: property and casualty insurance renewals had not been received and could alter figures when they arrive later in the month.
The board voted to move the preliminary budget to a public hearing, subject to final approval.
Next steps: staff will advertise the June 3 public hearing and present a final budget for consideration after public comment.
