by Carol Sweeney, Town of Owego Supervisor

The Town of Owego continues to be a great place to live, with clean water, well-maintained roads, and ample sewage capacity, not to mention a friendly and hard-working population and a beautiful rural and small town environment. That said, the town faces challenges due to the soft national economy and the continued economic stress in our local area, as well as the budget troubles facing New York State. However, the cost of Town of Owego services remains low and we continue to be able to provide those things that are essential to basic public function as well as those things that add to the quality of life. 

 During 2002, two bridges in our town were under construction. The new Court Street Bridge was under construction all year and now will not be complete until June 2003. I know everyone is looking forward to the opening of this new main entrance into our historic village. The Apalachin Main Street Bridge was rehabilitated during the 2002 construction season, which will enable this bridge to serve the Apalachin area of our town for many years to come. A new eight-inch water main was also run alongside the bridge, enabling further retail development in this area.

 This year the town completed the first phase of a $1.8 million DEC-ordered upgrade to the 31-year-old Apalachin sewage treatment plant. Once this upgrade is complete, there will be even cleaner effluent to the Susquehanna River, emergency backup power, and better odor control at the plant.

 During 2003, water service will be extended to 61 residences in the Griffin Drive/West Brookside Avenue area of the town.

 The new bathhouse in the Hickories Park campground opened last April. Hickories Park was well utilized this last year and we are looking forward to everyone being able to continue to enjoy all of our parks this year.

 The Town's Assessment Equity project conducted by Cole-Layer-Trumble Co. is nearing completion. In late January, there will be three informational meetings to give all residents the opportunity to learn about their rights and responsibilities through these last phases of the project. Watch your mail and the local media for the dates and times of these meetings. Please plan on attending one of these meetings so that you can be fully informed about this project and get your questions answered. New assessment values will be mailed to all property owners in early February.

 The Town Board recently raised the income limit for the Town's Senior Citizen Exemption on a sliding scale up to $25,000 per year. If you are a senior citizen with an annual income under this amount please make sure you file your application for this exemption on or before March 1, 2003. In addition, the board also raised the maximum values for the Alternative Veteran's Exemption. If you are a veteran that has served during a period of war and have never applied with the town for this exemption you need to apply on or before March 1, 2003.  For additional information you may contact the assessor's office at 687-0123. 

 The officers and employees of the Town of Owego remain dedicated to providing services and facilities that help maintain a good quality of life and that are attractive to residents and businesses. As we deal with the challenges before us, I value your input and ideas. Please contact me at the Supervisor's office at 687-3535. My best wishes to you for a wonderful 2003!