By Jaime Thomas
The village of Granville is getting ready to begin its budget process and is looking at a projected 1.88 percent overall tax increase.
The village’s annual budget workshop will take place in February, and during a meeting Monday Mayor Brian LaRose laid out tentative numbers for next year, though nothing is set in stone. He said the projected increase to the tax levy is 1.99 percent, with a tax rate of $9.71 per $1,000.
“Right now things are looking favorable as far as the budget going forward,” he said.
During the meeting the board also decided to support the Domestic Violence Awareness program. They had to approve $10,500 in funding for administrative duties related to a grant the village receives.
“I think it’s worked out well; it’s helped a lot of folks,” LaRose said. Police Officer Sheryl Allen has been at the forefront of the effort, and Police Chief Ernie Bassett said he’d like to have another year to see how the project goes.
The board also approved several requests for insurance certification for sports opportunities to be held in the high school, but which are not affiliated with the school district.
Vicki Palmer was approved for a free, adult recreational volleyball program to begin Jan. 8 and run for six to 10 weeks. Granville Athletic Director Steve Palmer was also approved for a pee wee wrestling program to begin Jan. 8 as well and to run for six to 10 weeks.
Trustee Frank Caruso voted against both programs; in the past he has said he does not believe such coverage falls under village jurisdiction.
During the meeting, the board approved several new members in the Granville Engine and Hose Fire Department, including Tanice Chesney-Zellars, Steven Veach, Joe Loveland and Robert Ward. Trustee Dean Hyatt commended the department for the high volume of calls it receives, while Trustee Paul Labas said he was impressed there was a steady number of newcomers each month.
“With numbers in so many volunteer organizations declining, it’s really good to see,” Labas said.
At the end of the meeting, Hyatt asked Department of Public Works Superintendent Dan Williams about finances for a mitigation project along the banks of the Mettowee. The village was approved for a $629,000 grant to complete the project but must front the money before being reimbursed.
Williams said he wanted to try and bill as the project progresses to avoid borrowing larger amounts. However, he expected projected costs would turn out to be accurate.
“It’s amazing they have a property tax cap and expect a municipality to roll out $700,000,” Hyatt said of the process.
The next village board meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.