Lockheed Martin Corp.
Causes Town Taxes To Go Up, Up & Away

Town of Owego Supervisor Carol Sweeney unveiled the 1998 Town of Owego budget on October 2. There were no big surprises, taxes will be going up next year again. According to Sweeney, the increase is totally due to the cost of litigation with Lockheed Martin Federal Systems in Owego.

Lockheed Martin will cost the average taxpayer in the town about $18 next year. If Lockheed wins the litigation, that cost will be even greater each and every year. School taxes would go up the most if this happens. Owego- Apalachin School District taxes would go up by about $400 per taxpayer! Add up the school, county, town, fire district, and other taxes affected by the litigations and you will want to leave town - fast!

Remember, this increase is not just for one year, but almost forever! The litigation which was started when IBM sold out to Loral, and was then picked up by Lockheed Martin, will go to court on November 3. The hearing will be open to the public.