The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The public had its opportunity to voice its opinion on Peru’s 2022 budget at a November 4th public hearing. Not a single Peru resident expressed an opinion. The board will vote on the budget at a Monday, Nov.15 budget meeting.

Tax rates will be relatively stable except for the Peru Sewer rate, which increases $.1582 per thousand thanks to $7,968 in health insurance estimated increases and $19,917 in bond principal and interest payments. The cost of the ongoing sewer system upgrade is beginning to impact the budget. Allocation of $30,000 in highway line striping from the highway department budget to the general budget accounts for a slight increase in the general spending budget and a virtually stable highway budget. General spending includes town supervisor, town board, town clerk, planning, zonings, assessor, dog control, parks, etc., plus the town court.

In dollar terms town general spending increases from $1,596,434 to $1,710,565. Town Highway spending increases from $1,778,777 to $1,825,065. Peru Sewer spending increases from 363,670 to $393,292. Valcour Sewer spending increases $61,759 to $70,720. Peru Water spending decreases from $785,266 to $767,746 thanks to completing payments on a 2011 bond series. An increase in the total assessed value of town accounts for at least part of the tax rate stability. Careful leadership attention to budget details is also critical.

Town General Tax Rate for 2022 is $2.3364 per M vs. $2.2461 this year.

Town Highway Tax Rate for 2022 is $2.2585 vs $2.269 this year.

Town Water Districts 1,2,3 Tax Rate for 2022 is $1.3885 vs. 1.9146 this year.

Peru Sewer #1 Tax Rate for 2022 is $.3634 vs. $.2052 this year.

Valcour Sewer #1 Tax Rate for 2022 is $.3343 vs. $.3478 this year.

Valcour Sewer #2 Tax Rate for 2022 $.5596 vs. $.5726 this year.

Peru Fire District Tax Rate for 2022 $1.2813 vs. $1.2706 this year.

Budgets Town 2022 CLICK HERE TO REVIEW