Batavia City Council meeting for February 10, 2020 discussing a possible 7.5% property tax increase that overrides the state tax cap.
The City is looking at a $700,000 budget gap. Most of the money loss has come from a $440,000 Video Lottery Terminal money that usually is shared from the proceeds at Batavia Downs Gaming. The City is also having to spend more money because of the recent bail reform law. More help is needed to deal with the paperwork process.
The tax rate for City residents would jump from $8.92 per thousand to $9.60 if the budget were approved.
Public hearings have been scheduled to discuss the 2020-2021 budget and the possibility of overriding the tax cap and on raising water rates.
A new skatepark was discussed during the public comments section of the meeting with Ellicott street resident Richard Umlauf presenting his idea. City Council is looking for more information on his plan and where it would go and how it would be funded and who would maintain the park.
A proclamation for retired Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett was also presented at the meeting.