Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The 2023-2024 proposed budget for the Town of Stanfield recommends the property tax rate remain at 32 cents per $100 valuation — the same rate as in previous years.

The town’s overall budget totals about $2.2 million, a decrease compared with the FY 22-23 budget, which totaled about $2.4 million. The monies will be split between the general fund (used for governmental activities) and the enterprise fund (water and sewer operations).

There will be “slight increases” to the town’s water and sewer rates but the specifics “have not been nailed down yet,” according to Town Administrator Bridgette Helms.

Capital projects include $40,000 to resurface the tennis court at Pete Henkel Park and improve lighting, which is included as part of $126,000 allocated for improvements to the park. Another $145,000 is set to complete all elements of the PARTF (Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) grant at Pete Henkel — which repairs the ball field steps and adds a retaining wall and is included as part of $126,000 and $69,000 PARTF Phase 1 project. A new tractor is also included for $40,000.

The proposed General Fund totals $1.7 million, up from the $1.34 million for last fiscal year, and about 77% of the total budget. It includes $790,000 for public safety, $317,000 for parks and recreation, $245,000 for maintenance, $217,000 for general government and $131,000 for environmental and sanitation.

The proposed Enterprise Fund totals $500,000, about the same as last year’s $523,000. It includes $230,000 for sewer operations, $136,000 for water operations and $134,000 for the water and sewer department.

Most of the General Fund revenue, which totals $1.7 million, comes from property taxes ($500,000), fund balance appropriation ($303,000) and Article 39 sales/use tax ($215,500).

The town will introduce the budget and have a public hearing during the June 1 council meeting at 7 p.m.