COVENTRY – Coventry taxpayers should be happy with the town’s 2010 budget, decreases in which will be reflected by a lower tax levy this year.

“Both the general and highway (budgets) are less than they were last year,” reported Town Supervisor Janice O’Shea, during a budget hearing held Wednesday night at the Coventry Town Hall.

While there will be an incremental increase in Coventry’s fire budget, that amount will be more than offset by decreases in both the town’s general and highway budgets. As a result, residents will see a decrease in both the overall tax levy and tax rate.

The town’s proposed budget for 2010 totals $734,000, a decrease of $7,200 from 2009. The overall spending plan is comprised of the town’s general budget of $193,800; highway budget of $430,200; and fire budget of $110,000.

“I feel this is a workable budget,” said O’Shea, who explained her belief that the proposed spending plan balances the need to maintain services with fiscal responsibility.