47.0° FApril 8, 2009
Dear Residents,
The current economic slowdown is presenting significant budget challenges at the State, County and Municipal levels.
The Town of Georgetown is especially vulnerable as our fiscal year starts prior to that of the State of Delaware. In the past, several granting sources have been included in our operating budget, which are directly funded by the State of Delaware. Unfortunately, due to the State’s fiscal health, the full impact of their cost savings measures will not be known until a full two month’s into the Town’s fiscal year.
Opting to be fiscally conservative, our approach to the FY 2010 budget was to ensure the fees charged by the Town cover the costs of operating the Town. Before any fees were modified, an extensive review of all our revenues and expenses was conducted with necessary changes being identified. To that end, the following changes were recommended and adopted:
· Increase parking meter fees,
· Increase parking fines,
· Increase business license fees,
· Increase Planning & Zoning application fees,
· Elimination of the Finance Director position,
· Elimination of a Water Department position,
· Elimination of the Mayor and Council discretionary funds,
· Suspension of three (3) paid holidays,
· Suspension of salary increases for the Town Manager and Chief of Police; and,
· Reduction in overtime of eighty (80) percent.
It was recognized early on that the ability to balance the budget without a property tax increase would be difficult. After realigning positions, minimizing expenses, increasing fees, the need for a property tax increase remained necessary. The $0.40 proposed increase will balance our budget. We applaud the efforts of all our employees during these difficult times and commend their commitment to the Town and its residents.
Edwin Lambden Gene Dvornick
Edwin Lambden, Mayor Gene Dvornick, Town Manager
Charles Koskey Sue Barlow
Charles Koskey, Ward 1 Sue Barlow, Ward 2
Bob Ricker Brian Pettyjohn
Bob Ricker, Ward 3 Brian Pettyjohn, Ward 4
