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Show Lifer any Mill Levy Could Be Cut For 1985 Budget By TOM BLSSELBERG FARMINGTON - A library budget tipping the scales at slightly above $1 million for the first time has gained approval in its tentative form from the five-member board of trustees. IT'S TIME to hammer out budgets for virtually all county agencies as they prepare for another calendar fiscal year, although it'll be up to the county commissioners to cut and piece those proposals into workable form by the December finalization time. The majority w ill go for salaries, being upped for all county employees, em-ployees, it's planned, by three percent per-cent for cost of living plus one-half percent for those who'd previously contributed to the state retirement fund. Some will also receive merit on top of that. County Com. Chairman Chair-man Glen Saunders explained. DUE TO growth in tax revenues and related changes, the library's mill levy could see a reduction, as well. Library Director Jeanne Layton said, although that won't be known until next spring when the levies are set. It could see a dip from 2.05 to 1.94. Although some parts of the budget can never be cast in concrete. con-crete. Ms. Layton has included S50.000 carryover funds from this year that could be utilized for equipment purchases, she said, along with hoped for money to make renovations at Bountiful's South Branch. THEY'D include making the downstairs more accessible, including in-cluding the stairwell and restrooms for handicapped. Continuing a theme that he's had to carry with him to many meetings. meet-ings. Com. Saunders emphasized continued hope the Legislature may alter the 106 percent revenue rule limiting governments to budget within the six percent of their previous budget, including growth, making it hard to expand, among other things. The board, in that same meeting, in fact, was forced to express ongoing interest in a Layton library but could set no tentative date for planning due to the budget restraints. BEYOND THAT, Com. Saunders Saun-ders referred to taxation problems stemming from assessed valuation changes brought on by the state, calling many "somewhat out of line" and indicating "a large number num-ber (of tax notices)" have visited the commission during tax equali- -zation hearings seeking relief. "We find in hundreds of instances inst-ances their assessed values were over--we intend to do battle" to straighten it out. he added. |