BOWDEN — Town council has set the town’s 2022 operating budget.
It’s set at roughly $2.8 million, up from last year’s actual budget of $2.59 million.
“The operational budget is up due to increased inflation; in particular, policing, insurance, general wages, utilities, water and sewer expense increases,” chief administrative officer Greg Skotheim wrote in an email.
He said the only real addition to the final draft of the document was another $2,000 for library operating expenses.
The budget anticipates a $20,000 surplus. That’s expected to go into town reserve funds.
During an interview, Mayor Robb Stuart said councillors worked hard to keep expenses for taxpayers low.
"Overall I think people will be happy with it," he said. "We didn’t pass on the increase in the water or the sewer rate to the residents so that should keep them happier."
During discussion on the budget, Stuart was a bit surprised to find that only $200,000 was budgeted for water, down from $211,000 last year.
“Last year was a low year because nobody was watering their (lawns),” he said.
“People are getting more and more water conservative, I find,” chief financial officer Jacqui Molyneux said.
She also said a repaired meter should make a difference this year.
The budget also includes $500 for the town to hold special events, like a Movie In The Park event.
As of Feb. 14, council was still working on its 2022 capital budget.
