Last night, the Sullivan Count Delegation approved a budget.  Over the past year, there have been many advances in the county.  They are beginning a new biomass power project for the county complex.  While expensive, it will save money years from now, and it will immediately reduce our dependence on oil.  Local wood chip producers will benefit from local sourcing of our energy needs.  The budget also includes some modest raises for county employees and replacements for some aging county vehicles.  Grants were also approved which included continuing funding for the public bus service and other agencies of interest that serve Sullivan County citizens.

You’ll also be happy to know that all of this was accomplished within the budget, and that your county taxes will not go up one penny.  As a matter of fact, they may actually go down very slightly.  I rarely call out other elected officials or parties, but you should know that all 8 Republicans passed the motion that ensured that there would be no tax increase.  All 4 Democrats voted against it, preferring to raise your taxes.  That’s something to consider come November.  It isn’t easy to advance programs and continue service, while maintaining a hard line on expenditures… but it is possible.

Zero Sullivan County Tax increase.  Nada.  Zip. Zilch.  Not one penny.  Say it out loud, it’ll feel good.

Steve