Result: Rate of Inflation + Levy

In total, Sylvania Township's budget has increased about 16% (excluding capital items) over the last 4 years during a time when inflation increased just over 10%. This 6% difference equates to a total spending increase in excess of inflation of $1.2 million from 2006 to 2009, or basically the operational portion of the Fire Levy that was passed in March 2008. Maintaining government spending to the rate of inflation plus voter-approved levies is, in my opinion, the proper way to run government and defines fiscal restraint.

We also received an update of our spending through September 2009 at a recent trustee meeting. With 3/4 of the year over, departments have spent 65-70% of their annual budget. A few line items are over budget, but overall spending is below expectations.