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Cottage City's proposed fiscal 2010 budget reduces the real property tax rate and includes money for a senior bus line.

The real property tax rate will be cut from 60 to 56 cents per every $100 of assessed value. However, residents will see no difference in their tax bills since the proposed rate is the same as the town's constant yield rate – a rate that keeps tax bills constant despite increased property assessments.

The nearly $1.3 million operating budget includes money to join in on a senior bus line operated by Colmar Manor and Bladensburg. The bus takes seniors to and from medical appointments and other errands, Commissioner Demetrius Givens (Ward 4) said.

The town's reserves will rise to $1.1 million during fiscal 2010 from the $527,437 that was projected for fiscal 2009. Town Clerk Treasurer Alice Shannon said auditors recommend keeping a reserve fund of at least three to six months' worth of expenditures.

Givens said the reserve fund ensures the town won't go bankrupt in hard economic times.

"We're trying to this year to be able to have that rainy day fund and to be able to keep our taxes lower than some of our other towns around us," he said.

The proposed budget also increases money for sidewalk construction and maintenance by $4,000 from last year.

"I think they're going to repair some of the sidewalks that have shifted [that] are a walking hazard," Shannon said.

The proposed police budget is cut by $129,334 from last year. For fiscal 2009, the town included money to hire an extra officer because officials knew one of the town's four full-time officers was going to resign, Givens said. A part-time officer also resigned.

The proposed fiscal 2010 budget includes money for four full-time officers but doesn't include money to fill the part-time position.

The town will apply for a three-year grant to pay for the hiring of a fifth full-time officer, Shannon said.

Police Chief Steve Watkins, who was on the town's force for about six years, resigned May 13. He couldn't be reached for comment.

Commission Chairwoman Phyllis Robinson (Ward 3) said the town's attorney advises commissioners to not comment on employees' resignations.

"We're moving in a different direction in our town," she said. "We certainly appreciate Chief Watkins' time with the town."

Givens, who also serves as police commissioner, said the town has been trying to switch to community-oriented policing.

"We haven't been able to be successful as of yet," he said.

Acting Chief Pablo Mitchell will take over temporarily and the town will assess his performance after 60 to 90 days before deciding to hire him or someone else permanently, Givens said.

E-mail Elahe Izadi at eizadi@gazette.net.