Babylon budget could raise taxes 3.73 percent

The Village of Babylon's 2011-12 proposed budget would increase property taxes by 3.73 percent, largely to meet rising employee benefit costs.

A public hearing on the $8.1-million budget is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday in Village Hall. The Board of Trustees must adopt a final budget by April 26.

“We are weathering the storm,” said Mayor Ralph Scordino. But, he said, benefit obligations and unanticipated expenses, such as storm cleanup, are making it “very difficult to develop a budget and keep services.”

Categories with increases include the anticipated cost of workers’ compensation, up by $90,000 to $375,000, and medical insurance, up by $75,000 to $900,000. Overall salary and wages for village employees would also edge up.

The budget, which would leave services basically intact, anticipates a $200,000 increase in the amount the village collects annually in fines and forfeited bail. Most of that would come from collection of delinquent tickets, Scordino said.