The Delton Town Board approved a preliminary version of its 2010 budget Thursday and will hold a public hearing on the budget Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. followed by another town board meeting to give final approval.

Items in the budget, like the tax levy, are still subject to change. Town secretary Deb Kowalke said the town could tax a maximum 3 percent increase over what was taxed this year, which would be $281,977. In 2009 the town collected $273,765 in property tax.

Licenses and permits revenues are expected to be down 36 percent next year compared with what was budgeted this year. The town predicts taking in $76,941 less than expected in room tax in 2009. Room tax payments at the end of the year are expected to be $398,059.

Interest on investments is down considerably by 66 percent. According to this year’s budget, the town was to collect $15,000 in interest, but the town predicts getting $5,000 in 2010.

To cope with the smaller budget, Delton Chairman Marvin Giebel said the town board wouldn’t be getting any raises. Giebel also said factors like paying $26,000 to the assessor for property reevaluations and $19,000 to Dells-Delton EMS toward the purchase of a new ambulance also make the budget tight. Giebel said the town’s purchase of a chipper, the cost for which the town is sharing with the village of Lake Delton, also contributes to expenses.

Delton Supervisor Roman Statz said on the bright side the cost of fuel seems to be less. The town projected it would spend $25,000 in 2009 on fuel, oil and grease, but now its projected 2009 total for that item is $12,582. So the town suggests allocating $15,000 in 2010.

Charitable giving the town does may also decrease. The board proposes cutting funding to the Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo by $750. This year $1,000 was budgeted as a gift; next year the town plans to give $250.

The Wisconsin Dells Youth Futures Alliance ceased to exist. Last year the town gave the organization $250; this year it will not be giving anything.

The Baraboo Boys and Girls Club is to receive $100 in 2010 whereas this year it received $250 from the town.

The town’s support of the Wisconsin State Historical Society remains the same at $100, as well as contributions to the Mirror Lake Property Owners Association and Sauk County Historical Society, both set to receive $250.

This year’s expenditure budget is projected to be $1,174,471. Expenses calculated so far for the town in 2010 are set at $970,000.