MOOERS — Taxpayers here will see a 3-percent drop in the tax levy if the proposed 2010 budget passes.

The levy, which is the amount to be raised by taxes, is $965,000, down $29,621 from 2009.

The tax rate is also down 3 percent, dropping from $6.94 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $6.73.

The total budget is up less than 1 percent, increasing by $12,959. That brings the proposed spending plan to $1,760,000.

Mooers Town Supervisor Rudolph Miller said there weren't any areas of significant increase or decrease. However, they did add a request for $40,000 to offer night ambulance service. That money will help pay personnel.

As usual, the town will plan to pave two to three miles of roads and purchase a piece of equipment. Miller said they will look to buy a new snowplow truck in 2010.

Increases in revenues are projected from the State Department of Transportation and Clinton County Highway Department.

Elected officials have a 3-percent pay increase in the budget.

Town employees will negotiate contracts starting Jan. 1, 2010, Miller said.

The supervisor said he's pleased with how the budget turned out.

"Anytime we see a net decrease anywhere along the line, it's always good."

A public hearing on the budget is set for 6:45 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Mooers Town Office.

E-mail Michelle Besaw at: mbesaw@pressrepublican.com