news-record.com

Following a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Summerfield Town Council will vote on the 2009-10 fiscal year budget.

The proposed $2.7 million budget includes a tax-rate reduction — from 3.5 cents to 3 cents per $100 of assessed value — that would save the owner of a $300,000 house about $20 a year.

Town Manager Michael Brandt presented the operating budget May 27.

The council began meeting with the town’s committees in February to establish priorities in setting the new budget.

In Tuesday’s meeting, town residents will have a chance to voice their concerns about the proposed budget.

Last month, three council members voted down a property tax holiday for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Eliminating the town’s property taxes would make it ineligible to receive sales tax revenue, which it gets from the county annually.

The proposed budget includes no cost-of-living adjustment increase for the town’s administration staff, but does include hiring a town planner this summer.

In addition to his post as town manager, Brandt has been acting as the town’s planner since former planner, Craig Harmon, vacated the position in December.

Council members will answer questions and concerns about the pending budget Tuesday before it is approved.