LOWELL | Financial consultant Greg Guerretaz told the Town Council last week it better dig in for tight times in 2009.

Noting Lake County tax caps will become effective next year and property tax dollars will be frozen, the prospects of inflation-based budget increases are slim, Guerretaz said.

"We've built in a 3 percent increase (in salaries), but you're unlikely to get it," Guerretaz said.

While the town has done a good job of "spending frugally" and has developed a realistic 2009 budget, cuts still will be required, Guerretaz predicted.

"I recommend that no capital improvement money be spent until you get your '08 money in," he said.

Lowell Clerk/Treasurer Judy Walters said the 2009 budget is based on an assessed valuation of $400 million, and she expects only a slight increase in that number for 2009.

The 2008 budget had an approved levy of $4.39 million. The proposed levy for 2009 would be $4.51 million. The council gave it preliminary approval last week.

The approved tax rate went down this year from 2007, Walters said. It was .7365 per $100 of assessed valuation, and decreased to .6876 per $100 of assessed valuation.