Lansing supervisor explains factors behind Lansing’s budget and tax changes

By Ruth Groff, Lansing Town supervisor

As the Lansing Town Supervisor, I want to address some of the concerns circulating about our upcoming budget. While misinformation has been spreading, it’s important to clarify the facts so that everyone can understand why the budget decisions we’re making are necessary and in the best interest of Lansing taxpayers.

Let me start by correcting a serious misunderstanding. The town budget is not increasing by 20% as some have suggested. In reality, the increase is less than 12%, which is necessary due to rising costs in health insurance, utilities, and goods and services. Prior year budgets have fluctuated between 20% and 2%, so considering we are in the first year of paying debt service on the bond for the new highway building, an increase of less than 12% is not out of line historically.

Some confusion has arisen around the 20% increase in the tax levy. While this figure is accurate, it’s important to note that the tax levy is only one small part of the overall budget. The tax levy applies only to the townwide General and Highway funds, which together make up only a portion of the total revenue. The majority of the town’s revenue comes from other sources, such as sales taxes, fees for services, state funding, grants, etc. In fact, the town tax levy accounts for less than 8% of your total tax bill, with the bulk of taxes going to the school district, county, and fire department.

Under the previous administration, there was a strong focus on keeping taxes low, even to the point of dipping into the town’s fund balances (savings) to balance the budgets, which left us below the mandated minimum. Without adequate reserves, the town is at risk, especially in the event of unexpected crises, even jeopardizing the town’s credit rating. That’s why I am committed to replenishing the fund balances and building a sustainable financial foundation while still maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the county.

Unlike the previous administration, I’ve introduced a five-year financial forecast. This tool allows us to plan ahead responsibly, by developing a long-term plan to gradually and deliberately replenish fund balances. While this means small, necessary tax increases, I promise you, every dollar is being invested in Lansing’s future. Your town government is being run efficiently, responsibly, and with foresight.

It’s easy to get caught up in alarmist percentages, but public understanding is critical. The decisions we are making today are about securing Lansing’s long-term success. While these actions may feel tough, they are necessary for the future health and prosperity of our town. We are committed to transparency and responsibility, and I ask for your trust and engagement as we move forward.