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November 25, 2009

Delaware County adopts 2010 budget

By Patricia Breakey
Delhi News Bureau

DELHI _ Following a brief public hearing Wednesday, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors adopted a 2010 budget with a 1.5 percent tax levy increase.

Colchester Supervisor Bob Homovich, the county budget director, said an increase in the workmen’s compensation appropriation resulted in the slight increase from the expected levy increase of 1.43 percent.

Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield, who serves on the Budget Committee, said the county is in the midst of the “most challenging times and financial circumstances” he has experienced in 26 years of public service.

Marshfield said the recession has been shrinking the county’s major revenue sources.

“Delaware County will see a $200,000 reduction in mortgage tax revenue, a $2.2 million in sales tax revenue, a $200,000 reduction in interest and earnings, a $150,000 reduction in interest and penalties and a reduction of $125,000 in boarding- in of prisoners,” Marshfield said.

He said as revenues have decreased, service demands are on the increase. He said that as of Oct. 31, 10,275 people are receiving some sort of Social Services assistance.

“Certain appropriations have skyrocketed to levels we have never seen before,” Marshfield added. “Projected 2010 employee retirement and health-insurance premiums are expected to increase by $1.8 million. We have increased our aid to indigents by $200,000 to a level of almost $600,000 for 2010.”

The county has a salary freeze in place. Marshfield said if a 3 percent increase is given next year it would increase the county budget by almost $1 million. “I look at 2010 as being a challenge, but I am sure that 2011 will be worse,” Marshfield said. “Our residents have called on us to hold the line on property taxes, and with everyone’s undivided help, this is a mission accomplished, at least for now.”

During the public hearing, Delaware County American Legion Commander Milton Scherer of Franklin asked that the veterans’ service agency officer position be restored to full time.

Following the retirement of Robert Johnson, the job was reduced to part time.

Homovich said he talked to the American Legion representatives and has agreed that the position will be monitored. If it doesn’t work on a part-time basis, it will be adjusted.

“We will make sure the veterans get the services they deserve,” Homovich said.

Board Chairman James Eisel said he was pleased the Budget Oversight Committee was able to bring the budget in at a 1.5 percent levy increase.

Eisel said the slight sales tax increase in the last quarter was a hopeful sign that “things are beginning to turn around. Maybe we will have a better year in 2010.”

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