Poolesville Approves $2.6 Million FY15 Budget

The Poolesville Town Commission this week approved a fiscal year 2015 municipal operating budget of $2.6 million, just a $22,000 increase overall from FY 14. The real property tax rate in the approved budget will remain constant and the estimated real property assessable base is virtually unchanged, rising less than two-tenths of 1 percent from FY 14.

More than $1.8 million of the budget will maintain town operations, including support for maintenance of town streets and parks, community outreach efforts, community events throughout the year, and professional support, along with wages and benefits for the Town’s 16 full-time staff and two additional summer employees. The balance of the budget includes approximately $240,000 for debt service and costs for operation of the Town’s waste and wastewater operations.

While the Town has incurred additional water and sewer expenses over the past few years, due to additional wells and sewer lines, there will be no increase in the water and sewer fees in FY 15, thanks in large part to savings from the Town’s new solar array, which will provide power to the wastewater treatment plant. The solar array, which has just been completed, is projected to yield approximately $30,000 in savings on energy costs in its first year of operation.

“We’re pleased to be able to have approved a fiscally prudent budget that has virtually no increase from FY 14 and includes no increase in property tax rates for the ninth consecutive year,” said Poolesville Commission President Jim Brown. “At the same time, we are continuing to focus on delivering quality services to our residents and businesses and on community-building, through Town events and outreach efforts that celebrate the unique character and vitality of Poolesville as a small town.”

The full approved FY 15 budget is available on the Town of Poolesville website.

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