Dear Editor,<\/p>\n
This is the start of the budget process season. The board, in partnership with each department, forms a budget for the Village of Owego to take effect beginning in August. I am asking everyone if we can all take an hour out of our busy lives for our budget presentation and attend the village board meeting on Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building\u2019s Hubbard Auditorium located at 56 Main St. in Owego, N.Y. <\/p>\n
This is everyone\u2019s chance to see what our budget looks like for the upcoming 2018\/2019 year. We will also be projecting out two years forward and taking a look back at previous budget numbers. It\u2019s time ALL OF US take a serious look at what faces our community. <\/p>\n
The village board is again being faced with battling the 2 percent tax cap. The last two budget years this board held a zero percent tax increase, unfortunately that seems unlikely for the upcoming years. An increase is more than likely unavoidable, no matter whom is elected to office next month. <\/p>\n
However, the size of the increase will be based largely on what YOU, the community, tell us what direction you want for the Village. The initial proposed budget for the 2018\/2019 indicates an 18 PERCENT PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. This board has made cuts to departments through attrition in the past couple of years to make for a more long-term sustainable level of service. <\/p>\n
However, these departments are now mostly operating with a minimum of employees while still facing increasing costs for each department. It is your village, and we want to hear from you on Feb. 5 on what you want us to do with the budget. Do you support overriding the 2 percent tax cap, do you want to hold to neutral budget increase in taxes, a decrease in property taxes, or maybe you want an increase in taxes for increased services. <\/p>\n
It is you, the taxpayer and resident, that should decide the direction you want the village to take.<\/p>\n
I hope to see many of you this Monday.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
Steve May<\/p>\n
Village of Owego Mayor<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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