I would like to express my appreciation to the nearly 50 town residents who attended the Nov. 13 Town of Owasco board meeting to share their thoughts and opinions regarding the proposed 2009 budget. Efficient operation of government is not only expected but is an obligation of any town official, especially during these extraordinarily difficult economic times. As an elected councilman, I felt it was my duty to inform the taxpayers of the major increases being proposed prior to the budget vote to provide you the opportunity to have your voice heard. As a result, the voters spoke and a significant increase in the budget expense line item for a police officer position was not passed.

My decision to vote “no” for the line item was not made in haste but was the conclusion of investigating several alternatives and the associated costs. I also thoroughly researched the facts provided to me by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office in an effort to reach a non-emotional assessment as to what our actual needs were and to work to further to address those needs in a rational and appropriate manner. The safety and well being of town residents is a priority that no one serving in an elected position should take lightly and I assure that I don't. Therefore, I will encourage and support the council to address this subject without unnecessarily burdening the local tax base or through the careless use of sales tax revenue.

In addition, during the coming year I will continue to endeavor being fiscally responsible relative to the use of your tax dollars. Three areas of concern I plan to focus on include monitoring sales tax revenue and the use of it, controlling all expenditures in a responsible manner and building /maintaining proper fund balances. These rainy day accounts often provide a means of offsetting the need for borrowing or floating bonds and therefore avoiding the related interest costs.

I encourage all residents to take an active role in your local government. That's how a democracy functions best. Make your voices heard so your elected officials are clear as to your expectations and that your tax dollars are being expended to fund those expectations.

Ed Wagner

Owasco