Several new business have opened or are in the process of opening since the last newsletter.

They are:

• Leah Grace Interiors 56 North Main St. Antiques
  
• Echoes of Time 19 South Main St. Antiques
  
• Oliver's Candies 25 State St. Candies from Batavia, NY
  
• Our Front Porch 21 State St. Gifts (formerly at 56 North Main)
  
• L'Avante Garbe & Character 19 State St. Clothing (formerly at 21 &25 State St.)
  
• Pasta Artiste 7 Schoen Place Handmade gourmet pasta

Please stop in and welcome these new stores to the Village.

By the way, a "Business Information Packet" is available at the Village office. The packet contains information for new and existing businesses.

A reminder about electrical work :
Any electrical work (residential and commercial) must be inspected by an authorized electrical inspection agency. It is a violation of the Village Code to use any new installation or alteration of electric wiring until it has been inspected.

Once again, a balanced budget for fiscal year 2002-2003 has been adopted by Village trustees, with no property tax increase included. Assessed valuation in the Village for the year 2002 stands at $120,554,140, compared with $119,968, 672 in 2001.

Highlights of the budget include the following expenditures:

• Resurfacing streets in the Green Hill/Courtney Circle area, work that will begin soon;
  
• New entrance signs and lighting at all major entrances to the Village (see accompanying article);
  
• Expansion of the street lighting program, including new lights along the canal west of the North Main Street bridge, Monroe Avenue west to the canal, and the intersection of East Jefferson Road and South Street; and
  
• an increase in sewer rents, enabling a continuation of the quality of service required by residents.
  

The Village budget consists of two funds: The General Fund and the Sewer Fund. Most bills relating to the cost of managing the Village and maintaining its services are paid from revenues accruing to the General Fund. The Sewer Fund contains only the expenses and revenue pertaining to the sanitary sewer system. Both funds are managed according to accounting standards set by the NYS Comptroller's office. In our case, the Sewer Fund account appears as an expense; the General Fund account appears as revenue.

WHERE DOES YOUR TAX DOLLAR GO?

It may be easy to overlook the work done by our relatively small Village staff-whose salaries are paid for through our tax dollars. A quick scan of this list of services provided to Village residents and business owners may be revealing. All are designed to enhance and protect our historic Village ambience.

• Maintaining streets, sidewalks, and curbing.
  
• Maintaining storm and sanitary sewers.
  
• Removing snow from streets, sidewalks, towpath, and municipal lots.
  
• Providing and expanding program of street lighting.
  
• Providing weekly brush pickup Spring, Summer, and Fall.
  
• Providing weekly leaf pick up in Autumn.
  
• Planting and maintaining Village street trees.
  
• Maintaining the Erie Canal Park, canal frontage, and other green spaces.
  
• Providing and maintaining flower baskets throughout the business district.
  
• Installing December holiday lighting and wreaths.
  
• Supporting public events such as Candlelight Night, the Pittsford Regatta, and-this year-our 175th Anniversary celebration.
  
• Communicating with residents through this "Voice of the Village" newsletter and with visitors through colorful brochures and guides.