NORWICH – A public hearing will be held tonight to discuss the proposed City of Norwich budget for 2009. The budget calls for a tax increase of 3.02 percent, bringing the tax rate to $17.42 per $1,000. City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano explained that this year’s budget was challenging because of the state of the economy and the rising costs of fuel and utilities.

“With the input from department heads and council members, we are now able to present a budget that is responsible, provides quality services and will not put an undue burden on taxpayers,” Maiurano said in a letter.