Town budget approved with flat tax rate

The Grafton Town Board has unanimously approved a 2019 budget that calls for a flat tax rate.

The $1.7 million spending plan — which requires a $1.44 million tax levy supported by a tax rate of $2.40 per $1,000 of assessed valuation — was presented during a public hearing and special meeting Nov. 7.

The tax rate remains essentially the same from this year, with an increase of 0.0028 cents.

The $1.44 million levy is up about $45,500, or 1.96%, from 2018, which reflects a comparable increase in the town’s total property value. The town will receive $180,971 in state aid.  

The meeting included a discussion of funding the town’s portion of the Grafton Fire Department budget, which calls for adding two full-time members next year.

Town Chairman Lester Bartel said budget adjustments could be necessary throughout next year depending on when the hires occur.

The town is in the process of finalizing its fire contract with the village.

During the public hearing and special meeting, members of the Plan Commission and only one elector were in attendance. They did not make any comments.