Proposed budget would raise taxes by 3.8%

Facing rising health care obligations for village employees, and incidentals such as fuel and repairs for municipal vehicles, Babylon Village trustees this week proposed an $8.6 million budget that would preserve services to residents but increase taxes on the average village home.

The proposed tax rate would be $12.98 per $100 of assessed value. Taxes on an average home assessed at $7,000 would be $908.60, up by $33.60, or 3.84 percent. The plan would increase spending by $415,000, about 5 percent, compared with the budget approved last year.

Trustees are scheduled to meet Monday at 7 p.m. to vote on the final budget, which would take effect June 1.

Health care benefits comprise almost a quarter of all spending at $2.1 million, driven by projected increases in workers' compensation and medical insurance.

Fuel and repairs on the village's aging fleet of about 20 vehicles, used for road and parks maintenance and refuse collection, also spurred the spending increase.

Amenities such as the golf course, greenhouse and beach that officials say draw visitors and home buyers to the village carry their own costs. The golf course, for instance, is expected to take in $175,000 but cost $221,500 in upkeep and personnel.

"These are services to residents, and we try to keep the utilization fee at a reasonable rate so the entire community can use them," said Mayor Ralph Scordino.

More aggressive collection of fines and forfeitures are expected to net the village $700,000; parking meter fees are expected to generate an additional $600,000.