‘Tis the season to be frugal.
That’s the tune the Village of Lake Orion is singing, and, despite an off-key economy, it seems to be hitting all the right notes.
‘I think we’re in great shape,? said Village Council President Rob Reetz. ‘As a village, I think we’re doing very well. We’re better off than a lot of other municipalities at this time. We’re still remaining prudent but overall we’re doing great.?
The council just approved the 2009-2010 budget at their last meeting, June 8. It will take effect July 1.
‘There’s a lot of doom and gloom out there right now,? Reetz added, ‘but the village ? Treasurer Jan Adams and Manager Paul Zelenak ? have been keeping a very good eye on the future and they’re doing a fantastic job.?
Zelenak said he was especially pleased with the work village staff have put into the budget.
Revenue forecasts are around $1,533,817 (down nearly $100,000 from 2008) while expenditures are at $1,555,648. The math may not seem to add up, but the village plans on using money from fund balance, or ‘rainy day? funds, to make up the difference.
Right now fund balance holds $451,756, or 29 percent of the village’s yearly expenditures. After the coming fiscal year, estimates have it at $429,925, or 27.6 percent.
The village didn’t have to make sweeping budget cuts, according to Zelenak, but it’s making small sacrifices across the board.
For example, in the coming year, there won’t be any capital improvements or purchases like new software or police car cameras.
Zelenak hopes the new Web site will also help the village offices be more efficient.
‘Residents can find information or answers on the site instead of taking employee time during the day,? he said.
While other companies and governments look at cutting salaries and benefits to pinch pennies, Zelenak said the village isn’t quite there.
‘We’re looking at ways to reduce benefit costs without reducing benefits,? he said.
In the Lake Orion Police Department, Chief Jerry Narsh joked that they’re reusing everything from paperclips to duct tape. Cutting costs without eliminating services is something every department is trying to do, he said.
‘We’re constantly seeking ways to improve services, reduce costs and locate private and government grants and funding to reduce budget dollars ? that’s our mission,? said Narsh.