Tioga County Tax Could Increase 50% Or More!

 Tioga County officials have scheduled a series of four presentations on the 2004 county budget. The first was held in Spencer on June 30 (pictured above). If County Services are not cut or reduced we could be facing a tax increase of 50% or more. The main reason given by the county are programs mandated by the state without funding. 

 County Legislators are looking to the tax payers for guidance. They should take the advice of one of their own, Dick Huttleston, who at a recent county meeting stated that the county should just say no to the state! This type of action worked recently for the towns in the county when the Legislators wanted to take away their "Allowance" received from a portion of sales tax collected. All the towns showed up at the almost secret meeting and told the legislators "NO".  They listened and voted no.

     When State officials come to Owego later this month for the "official" ribbon cutting of the Court Street Bridge, all elected officials and taxpayers should attend and let the state officials know that we will not take unfunded state mandates anymore. Let's all stand up and just "Say NO".

 The other three public information meetings are scheduled for:
 •July 8 - Newark Valley High School, 7:00 pm
 • July 10 - Owego Apalachin Middle School, 7:00 pm
 • July 14 - Waverly High School, 7:00 pm.

 Every resident and business owner is encourage to attend one of these meetings, become informed, and give the county your input and ideas. Your participation is essential!