NORWICH – Facing backlash for a proposal to override the state-imposed tax cap for the second consecutive year, the Chenango County Board of Supervisors has tabled a resolution to do so until county officials have a clearer picture of their 2026 budget.

County legislators opened the floor Monday morning for public input at the Chenango County Office Building, hearing taxpayers’ frustrations over the county’s handling of taxpayer dollars. Speakers voiced concerns over a potential raise in taxes and what it would mean for working households and businesses.

Ultimately, county officials postponed a vote to override the state’s allowable tax levy increase until they see a full budget presentation scheduled to take place during a public meeting on Nov. 5. Only one on the 23-member county board, Town Supervisor Dianne Scalzo, voted against tabling in a gesture to squash any intentions of a cap override.

The motion to table followed nine different speakers who addressed the County Board of Supervisors during Monday’s public hearing, many of whom criticized leaders on topics like public transportation, population decline, tough business climate, rising taxes, inflation, and – most notably – a proposed $35 million building project to replace the 1960 wing of the county’s office space in Norwich.