Greenport to keep tax levy under 2%

Greenport Village will keep its tax levy at just under 2 percent for the 2012-13 budget year, with all of the increase going toward paying down debt on its iconic park.

Outside of the debt reserve, the $2.8 million spending plan was held steady for all departments. The reserve fund will be used for bond payments associated with the waterfront Mitchell Park, which features the historic carousel, marina and skating rink.

The extra $18,000, which is just under 2 percent of the tax levy from the previous year, will be added to $653,000 from the sale of Clark’s Beach to the county and about $900,000 now in a previous fund balance to pay down the park debt.

Mayor David Nyce had wanted more money, about $45,000, to pay down the debt, but other trustees asked to keep the levy increase under 2 percent, even though state law would effectively allow a 3.5 percent increase because of allowable exemptions.

The spending plan passed last week, 4-1, with trustee Chris Kempner voting against the budget.