MASSENA -- The Town Council on Wednesday adopted a preliminary 2018 budget that levies $2,652,834 in taxes and would increase the tax rate to about $4.68 per $1,000 of assessed value inside the village and $5.11 outside.

Spending would total $8,391,886, which is $5,000 more than the proposed budget. The extra $5,000 would be raised through taxes and pay for tablets for the town council members, replacing paper documents.

“I have a pile of papers at home that goes from the floor to the ceiling,” Councilman Steve O’Shaughnessy said. “I think that will pay for itself in time, with printing materials.”

“We’re on track to accept the budget as a final budget on next Wednesday at our regular board meeting,” Town Supervisor Joe Gray said.

Before the board adopts a final budget, will be a public hearing Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m., prior to the regular town council meeting. It will be in the town hall’s second floor board room.

A public hearing on Wednesday, prior to the board adopting the preliminary budget, drew no comments.