Town of Crawford Supervisor Charles E. Carnes announced last week that taxes will not increase in 2023.

The budget totals about $9 million, with the general budget being $5,682,440. Other totals include $2,319,220 for highway, $599,715 for water, $426,878 for sewer, $25,000 for lighting and $6,000 for parks and districts. This will be the second year in a row that the budget has no increase in taxes.

The general budget covers many areas including police, highway and town hall departments. In the release Carnes also mentioned that special districts like water, sewer, lighting, and parking will also see a tax decrease.

“Despite runaway inflation and unfunded cost increases, passed down to us by New York State as well as the Federal Government policies, we remain fiscally strong,” noted Carnes in a statement released last week. “Conservative budgeting and expenses control will enable us to keep taxes down for our residents in this inflationary economy. New York State is among the top states with people leaving. My goal is and has been to keep our taxes as reasonable as possible so our residents can afford to live in our Community.Carnes goal is to keep the community affordable for residents. In order to do this, the town used reserve funds to finance budget increases rather than cutting down on any areas of service.

There were no cost-of-living raises for town employees. Carnes explains that police and highway workers are governed by collective bargaining and non-union wages are set by the town board.

One big project coming in 2023 is sidewalk work which is funded by both the town and grants. Another is the expansion of the water system including a new filtration system, though this is covered by grants and taxpayers.

The 2023 Budget Workshop is set for October 20, at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a public hearing at 7 p.m.