By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg resident and retired Lisbon school physical education instructor Doug Loffler called on the city to hold off on any increases in the tax levy as the council begins its budget season.

Loffler said he is well aware of the difficult situation faced by the council and acknowledged that the city is only at the beginning of the budget process. But, he said he was concerned at the possible $1.04 increase in the tax rate and a proposed jump in the water fee, to the tune of $42 per year.

“Last year it was a $30 to $40 increase in the sewer fun. Something’s got to change here,” he said.

The proposed $19,096,646 budget would increase the tax levy by nearly $300,000 and the tax rate by $1.04.

Under the proposal, the tax rate will rise from $16.73 to $17.77 per $1,000 of assessed property value, though that will likely be decreased as the budget process continues.

Loffler said the city needs to trim its costs anywhere it can. He credited the department heads for their hard work, but added that every department needed to be scrutinized.

“Everybody’s got to take a bite,” he said.

Loffler said the process should start with reigning in excess costs.

“Look at the overhead costs,” he said. “$5,000 in overtime in the parks department. That’s a lot of money.”

In regard to a proposed additional employee at the city planning office, Loffler questioned if an economic developer might better serve the city.

He said expanding the tax base was crucial to tax relief.

The board thanked Loffler for his comments.