NORWICH – No one spoke before a public hearing on the Chenango County 2009 budget package Tuesday evening; and the measure went before the full Board of Supervisors for a final vote Wednesday morning.

A real property tax levy of $22.7 million for 2009 was approved, marking the fourth consecutive year of average tax rate decreases. The 2009 average is $15.48 compared to the 2005 rate of $17.07. This is also the fourth consecutive year with a tax levy increase of less than 1 percent.

In delivering the 2009 budget, however, Budget Officer William E. Evans gave no assurances that the budget would be sufficient with New York state’s continual “shifting of burdens” to the local level.

“We are all aware that state and federal finances are in utter chaos,” he said.