Legislators plan another tax rate reduction

SCHUYLER COUNTY--The tentative 2018 Schuyler budget includes the sixth consecutive year of tax rate reductions for the county.
County Administrator Tim O'Hearn said, "Almost all legislators participated in the (budget) review process and they met with each department in an effort to further reduce the burden on county taxpayers. They were successful in their efforts, concluding Thursday afternoon, Oct. 5, with the net result of a further lowering of the tax levy for 2018. After review, the tax rate is now .72 percent. (reduced from 2.39 percent). In addition, the tentative budget is $363,000 under the state tax cap.
O'Hearn said the larger than normal increase in overall county spending is due to federal bridge projects and is offset by corresponding revenue equal to 95 percent of the project cost.
The tentative budget summary for 2018 with along with the history of 2017 and 2016 is shown in the chart.
The legislature will present the 2018 budget numbers in a public hearing Monday, Nov. 13 in Room 120 at the Human Service Complex, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls. The regular legislature meeting will then follow with possible action to adopt the 2018 budget.