Although the proposed budget for the next fiscal year for the Town of Leonardtown does not include a property tax rate increase, it does include a proposal to raise residential utility fees by 1.8 percent..
Under the proposal submitted by Mayor J. Harry) “Chip” Norris, III at the May 9 town council meeting, sewer service charges would increase from $95.33 to $96.99 per quarter, water service charges for residential and commercial customers would increase quarterly from $44.78 to $45.68. Residential and commercial trash service charges would increase two percent. The increases would bring the quarterly residential utility bill to $215.45.
The town budget shows a decrease in property tax revenue, reflecting declining assessments. The town is in the same situation as the county of having the constant yield tax rate being higher than the current tax rate. The lower property tax revenue is offset by anticipated higher income tax receipts and higher user fees from the state.
The $1.12 million general fund budget does not include a cost-of-living adjustment for town employees. Norris said that seven employees are eligible to be evaluated for merit increases during the next fiscal year but the budget does not include any merit increases.
Health insurance premiums are going down 1.71 percent effective June 1. But , mileage reimbursement is going up a penny to 51 cents per mile to reflect the new IRS approved rate.
The first town budget work session is scheduled for May 17 at 4 p.m. followed by another on May 23 at the same time. The capital improvement plan for the next fiscal year has not yet been finalized but is expected to be ready by the May 17 work session.
