I am pleased to present the Town's 2013 Budget for your consideration. Despite the poor economic climate and increased costs in many areas we have continued to control costs in the areas that we can control as well as work with the state and others to control excessive costs that are mandated. This year many town residents will see a decrease in their tax rates. The general tax rate consisting of the Highway and most other departments will see an increase of just less than 1% at .9964% or about $12.41 per year for a home with a market value of $250,000. In addition the sewer tax will decrease 4.90% and the water tax will decrease 6.89%. Our other two special districts consisting of parking and lighting will also show small decreases.

This was accomplished without layoffs or decreases in services to the public. Police funding was increased as well as services to the youth of our community and our seniors. The Town has been recognized by the Pine Bush School District and the County of Orange as providing outstanding youth services and our facilities are known and used extensively by our local sports programs. During 2012 events that support our local business owners have been increased and we look to improve on support of the Arts and more in 2013.I would like to take this time to thank the many employees who worked this past year with us to find ways to save money and be more efficient while maintaining services to our residents. Finally I want to thank the Town Board and the Town of Crawford taxpayers for all their support and hard work to make our Town a great place to work and live and keeping it affordable in these difficult economic times.As always feel free to call my office at any time with suggestions and ideas or attend any one of our board meetings.