Council Introduces 2012 Operating Budget

The Summit Common Council introduced its 2012 municipal operating budget as last night's council meeting.

Council's Budget: The council approved the resolution for the budget in the amount of $47,160,970.86. Councilman David Bomgaars, who heads the finance committee pointed to a .64% tax increase under the plan, calling it the lowest in several years. Coucilman Tom Getzendanner was the lone dissenting voice on the resolution.

The council will present a public hearing on the budget on April 3.

Impact on residents: Taxes on the average city home, around $410,000 which City Administrator Chris Cotter said was assessed at about half the actual value of around $900,000, would increase by about $23 to $3,693.

In other news:

Council also approved several budget matters which included:

• Introducing the 2012 Special Improvement District budget in the amount of $300,486, which will be focused on Downtown.
• A temporary 2012 capital budget of $476,000, was approved, which is tied to the Broad Street garage renovation. The renovation is necessary according to parking services official Rita McNany because of structural deficiencies found in the structure.
• Council approved a $3,750 contract with Citenet, a service that will allow residents to pay property and sewer taxes online through the city's website.
• A $32,113 contract with SAGE for senior social services was approved.
• Council approved a license agreement for around $1,264 with Winberies to allow sidewalk dining.
• A new Summit Police Officer, Keith Kwiatek was sworn in.