NORWICH – Chenango County taxpayers, on average, will pay about 30 cents more for government services and programs next year, according to a draft budget released by the treasurer’s office.

The tentative $86.7 million spending plan for 2013, which is in well ahead of schedule, would eliminate 2.5 jobs and provide funds to pave more miles of county roads.

It also reduces the amount of general fund surplus that would be applied from $3.08 million in 2012 to $2.90 million. The 2013 total application of surplus is $3.75 million, or about .12 percent less than what was applied this year. Reserves are tapped from county general, county road, road machinery, and Stop DWI accounts.

Chenango County is currently debt free and has about $20.3 million in reserve.

“This budget represents a determination to deliver services as efficiently as possible and assure that taxpayers receive the value they deserve, especially in trying economic times,” said Chenango County Treasurer William C. Craine. “We hope to move toward a goal of applying just $2,500,000 a year, despite spiking pension costs.”