Public Meeting Held for 2013 Herkimer County Budget

    Tonight Herkimer County allowed the public to voice concerns over their proposed 2013 budget. If the budget were to pass as is, there are no major changes in store for Herkimer County. Residents can expect a slight tax increase with the $96 million budget. The major increases for next year will be employee retirement, payroll, correctional facility boarding and some for a safety net. Overall, a Herkimer County tax payer will see their taxes go up 9 cents for every thousand dollars. The public was given a chance to give input tonight but the hearing wasn't well attended. An Ilion man that did attend says he isn't surprised by the turnout.

            Carl Streeter of Ilion says, "I'm really disappointed with the apathy and the indifference that infects Herkimer County. We've got 64,000 people living in this county and if you can get more than 10 to get up and bark it's amazing."

            Legislator Patrick E. Russell, District 15 says, "Well that's not unusual, we don't usually have a lot of people come to the meetings. Is it good? Is it bad? Obviously we'd like to see more but I think people have a lot of faith in us in regards to doing what's right for the county and the county citizens."

            Revisions can still be made because the final vote on the 2013 budget will be held next Wednesday.