PORT JERVIS – The proposed 2020 Port Jervis city budget as presented by Mayor Kelly Decker includes a property tax rate increase of 2.38 percent, thus exceeding the state tax cap. That translates to about a $15 per year increase for the average homeowner, he said.
Decker’s original spending plan would have raised the tax rate in the range of 4 percent.
The budget, which must be approved by the city common council, brings the fire inspector position from part-time to full-time and includes a part-time contracted human resources person.
Decker, who said he is “comfortable” with the budget he proposed, will increase sewer fees by about $6 per quarter.
It takes into account anticipated revenue when the city’s solar farm is placed online and from selling carbon from trees in the city’s watershed property. The mayor also anticipates increased building permit fees and development continues.
Also included is a $2,500 raise for the mayor and $1,000 raise for the council members.
