Bath village finances improve
BY MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH — A recent audit of the village of Bath indicates its finances are improving.

Total village revenues increased by 6.5 percent from June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2004-05. The audit was prepared by Kelly Fitzpatrick, of Wheat and Fitzpatrick of Bath.

Total village expenses dropped by 15 percent compared to the previous annual report, the audit showed.

Revenues amounted to $3.5 million, and village expenses totaled $2.9 million.

The jump in revenues is likely due to unexpected increases in sales tax and other funds, said village Treasurer Shirley Sowersby.

“We are always very conservative in our (revenue) estimates,” Sowersby said. “We want to make sure we have enough to cover our expenses. We want to have a margin for error.”

Mayor David Wallace credited department heads for the drop in expenses.

An increase in total village assets was due to the reduction of the village debt load, from $394,855 reported in 2005 to $307,802 this year.

Officials said the village paid off a number of debts, including a street sweeper and the village telephone system. The current budget includes a $260,000 tanker/pumper for the volunteer fire department, which will cost the village $52,000 each year for five years.