One of the main items on the board’s agenda will be a discussion of the town’s proposed 2010 budget of $2.99 million.

The town’s 2010 budget includes the possible receipt of a $2 million low-interest, government backed loan for the West Main transmission line project. It also includes the possibility of a $123,000 grant combined with $160,000 of other town funds to complete the Orchard City Park improvements.

The budget document projects total town spending for 2009 to come in at $1.13 million.

The budget document was distributed to the trustees at their October meeting. It will be subject to some minor revision until it is officially adopted by the trustees at their December meeting.

The draft document foresees revenues and expenditures in the following town budget funds for 2010.

• General Fund: Beginning 2010 fund balance is $1.66 million.

Revenue is $385,355, down from $513,087 in 2009. Expenditures are $528,934, up from $354,390 for 2009.

The ending 2010 fund balance is $1.5 million.

• Water Fund: Beginning 2010 fund balance is $1.76 million.

Revenue is $702,110, down from $1.06 million in 2009. Expenditures are $387,226, up from $316,887 in 2009.

Ending 2010 fund balance is $2.66 million.

In addition, the town assumes it will receive a $2 million low-interest loan for work on the West Main water line replacement project.

• Road Fund: Beginning 2010 fund balance $431,573.

Revenue $192,951, up from $179,163 in 2009. Expenditures $344,893, up from $218,944 in 2009.

Ending 2010 fund balance $269,284.

During the trustees’ October meeting, Town Administrator David Varley said that completion of the final phase of Orchard City Park improvements is still a priority. He told the trustees, “We decided to make a transfer from the Conservation Trust Fund (Lottery) into the Parks Fund. It is a regular source of money for us every year, and we estimate we’ll get $69,000 next year that will be transferred to the Parks Fund.

“Hopefully, we will be able to combine it with a GOCO grant we’ve applied for to finish the expansion of the park. The expansion would include the construction of a pavilion, concrete slab, sprinklers, curb, and things like that. Hopefully we will be able to get that project done next year.

“In December, there will be some changes because we’ll have two more months of (2009) financial results to work with. We will have some updated revenue numbers and we’ll also have a better handle on expenditures, which will come in below 2009 budget.

“As the economy goes up and down we’re riding up and down with it. We are still in a relatively healthy situation, I think, relative to the rest of the country,” Varley said.

Mayor Don Suppes said the town board would approve its 2010 budget document in December.

Trustee Marsha Thomas asked if the $69,000 transfer to Park Fund would be made if the GOCO grant is not approved. The $69,000 would be combined with $95,000 from the town General Fund.

Suppes replied that if the GOCO grant for $123,000 is not approved, then the town’s park expansion plan, “Will be under discussion. Right now we are budgeting for receipt of the grant.”

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