HOPE — A proposed 2022 budget has been distributed to the Hope Town Council.
But while this first draft is recommended by Hope Clerk-Treasurer Diane Burton, the spending plan will be subject to change by council members for the next several weeks.
“If you see a change that will cause the budget to go up, I will post the notice to taxpayers by the end of this month,” Burton told council members during the August meeting.
Under the proposal, the town’s 2022 budget is currently estimated to be $1,509,376 — about 16% higher than the $1,302,292 approved for this year.
But that includes $70,000 that has not been earmarked for any expenses, and may remain in savings next year, Burton said. Those funds were originally obtained from the state for COVID-19 relief purposes last year, she said.
With a maximum property tax levy set at 4.30%, Burton estimates that $683,463 will be raised for the town’s general fund. The amount earmarked for local roads and street maintenance is tentatively set at $65,000 — up $5,000 from this year.
If the recommended budget remains unchanged, the northeast Bartholomew County community of 2,200 residents will also receive:
$80,082 from its motor vehicle highway fund (up 21%)
$108,000 from the cumulative capital development fund (up 12%)
$325,831 from the economic development income tax (up 11%)
$20,000 from the casino/riverboat tax (up 33%)
$20,000 from income tax revenue for public safety (up 38%)
Once revisions are made and the budget is posted at the end of this month, the council can reduce the amount in the budget.
However, Burton emphasized council members will not be able to raise it.
While the spending plan sets aside money for a 3% salary increase for town employees, the council will not make an official determination about raises until a salary ordinance is considered in October, Burton said.
In addition, $40,000 has been set aside for road and street paving projects. Town officials will learn late this fall whether they will receive a Community Crossings matching grant to cover 75% of the costs for three planned street projects scheduled for next year. Those include:
Grand Street, from Main Street to Walnut Street
High Street, from Main Street to Harrison Street
Locust Street, from Main Street to Maple Street
The cost of these projects has been estimated at $138,889, but Hope only has to pay 25% of the costs under the matching grant program administered by the Indiana Department of Transportation.
While it’s a first draft, Burton said her recommended budget has been examined and approved by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.
