Proposed Port town budget includes money from reserves for properties

The Port Washington Town Board was expected to approve a proposed 2019 budget of $614,944 following a public hearing Tuesday night.

Residents were also expected to approve a tax levy of $462,652 — up .09%, or $419, from last year’s levy of $462,233 — needed to support that budget.

The budget is projected to increase 5.37%, from $583,565 to $614,944, while the revenues would increase only .88%, from $578,220 to $583,363.

The difference between the two is largely due to the acquisition of two properties next to the Town Hall on Highland Drive. Money for this is being taken from the capital reserve budget, officials said, not the general fund.

The town is buying the properties at 3709 and 3703 Highland Dr. for $80,000 and $165,00, respectively, from the Gantner family on a three-year land contract.

The purchase is expected to be finalized on Thursday, Nov. 29, Clerk Heather Krueger said.

The town’s major road project for next year is expected to be Hawthorne Drive between highways H and KK, Town Chairman Jim Melichar said, with the possibility of additional work being done on Dynna Drive, Woodland Road or perhaps Green Bay Road north, near the Driftwood Motel.

“It all depends on how estimates come in and the budget comes in,” Melichar said.