WHITE STONE—Finance was at the forefront of White Stone Town Council discussions April 6 as the expenditure portion of the 2024 proposed budget was presented.
According to finance committee member Ran Reeves, the proposed $242,512 budget will include a total increase of $15,967. A $22,495 increase in administration, public safety, town council and building expenses will be offset by a $6,528 decrease in sewage project expenses.
The estimated expense increase includes $9,665 for a new 401K retirement plan for town manager Patrick Frere and town clerk Melinda Sliakis, along with a $4,230 increase in hourly pay and insurance costs for the police chief and town officer.
“Insurance is up, of course that always increases,” said Reeves. “And we’ve decided to start a 401K fund for both the town manager and town clerk….