Chautauqua County Town of Cassadaga Lowers Tax Levy

CASSADAGA - The proposed budget for Cassadaga's 2010-11 fiscal year shaves more than $17,000 off the general fund bottom line from the current year's figure.

According to the proposed budget prepared by the Cassadaga's trustees over several workshop sessions, the 2009-10 general fund total is $383,590 while the proposed 2010-11 total is $366,036.

Because the village does not have to raise revenues this coming year, the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value decreased to $4.80, or 10 cents less than the 2009-10 tax rate.

"This is the fourth year in a row that the village tax rate has decreased," Mayor LeeAnn Lazarony said when the proposed budget was introduced.

The proposed budget calls for a tax levy of $133,292, or $2,000 less than the 2009-10 tax levy of $135,520. The only Cassadaga official to receive a raise in the proposed budget is village clerk-treasurer Roxanne Astry, who will see a 1.5 percent increase in her salary.

"I didn't receive a raise last year and for this coming year, the increase amounts to $200," Astry said.

Other cuts in the proposed expenditures occur in street department equipment, down $5,000 and $8,000 less in CHIPS money.

The village board members and Cassadaga's public works department employees pay rates remain unchanged. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 7, prior to the regular board meeting at the Cassadaga Community Building. Copies of the proposed budget may be seen at the village clerk's office on Tuesdays and Fridays, during regular working hours.