MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

WINDSOR—The proposed $1.8 million operating budget for the Town of Windsor is about $200,000 higher than last year; however, it does not include an increase in taxes, according to town manager, Michael Stallings.

Tax rates will remain at 10 cents per $100 of assessed value, while personal property will continue at 50 cents per $100.

“Our only increase will be a slight one in water rates to help keep up with rising costs,” he said. “We will raise the rate from $6.50 per 1,000 gallons used to $7.

“The budget increase is primarily to repay a loan from the water fund to the general fund, which has been on the books for a number of years,” Stallings added.

He explained that several years ago the water fund borrowed $181,000 from the general account to fund a water system project. “When you deduct that amount, the difference in the budget from last year would be only $20,000.”

A public hearing about the budget on Tuesday brought no comments. Council will vote on the measure at its meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

Council also granted a conditional use permit to Verizon Wireless to place a 199-foot telecommunications tower on property known as Fox Run Farms.

“At our last meeting, council had a few concerns,” Stallings said. “Members wanted to make sure that there would be no interference with emergency services communications.

“Verizon has assured us that this will not happen,” he said.

In another matter, Stallings noted that the town will sponsor its second concert next to the library on Duke Street this Friday, June 6, from 6 to 9 p.m.

“The Newsoms Brothers will entertain and our local Boy Scout Troop will furnish the food,” he said. “We urge people to attend.”