What Does the Village Want to Purchase in 2013?

Owners of a $300,000 home would pay an extra $50 on the municipal portion of their tax bill based on the village's early budget projections.

This year, officials are looking at flat state aid and to either maintain or exceed service levels for village programs. Workshops focusing on department budgets will continue throughout the month until the Village Board will vote to adopt an annual financial roadmap Oct. 22.

Shorewood anticipates an increase in the tax levy of $245,888 — 2.4 percent. Officials said they attempted to keep the levy within the rate of inflation.

Among the more significant expenditures in the budget is $700,000 in funding for road reconstruction and maintenance, and $600,000 for storm water improvements.

Shorewood has budgeted some technology upgrades at a cost of $10,000, looks to revamp its website for $10,500, upgrade financial software for $42,500 and purchase new voting machines for $11,000.

The Shorewood Police Department is asking for two new patrol squads, which are expected to run the village $91,000. Additionally, a computer aided dispatch upgrade cost $50,000.

New Department of Public Works vehicles are in the proposed budget at $105,400. Landscaping upgrades at Atwater Beach would cost $40,000, and the draft budget maintains lifeguard service at the beach.

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The village borrowed to pay for ongoing sewer and road reconstruction projects to the tune of $2.85 million, which is reflected in the tax levy increase.

The draft budget earmarks money for new programs including $10,000 for a new program aimed at welcoming new residents and $1,000 for neighborhood mediation and $5,000 for an annual public art event. Officials added $20,000 for maintenance of East Capitol Drive like flowers, grass, planters and the like. Officials also placed about $14,000 to conduct two resident surveys next year.

Due to reorganization, the village's Planning and Development department budget decreased by 5.4 percent or $21,809.  Additionally, election costs were cut in half because of fewer elections.

Repairs to the exterior of the Village hall building columns, replacement of the roof on the scout cabin at Hubbard Park are among items excluded from the budget.