Ryan: Council Will Reduce Binghamton Tax Hike

Binghamton property owners will be paying higher taxes next year. But Mayor Matthew Ryan said the increase won't be as high as what's called for in his original budget proposal submitted to City Council.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Tuesday, Ryan said he will "work hard" with lawmakers to find ways to trim the property tax hike.

The mayor last week submitted a spending plan that would result in a tax rate increase of nearly 11 percent for residential property owners. The commercial property tax rate would jump 5.7 percent under the Ryan proposal.

Ryan said he's heard complaints from some homeowners and business operators.

The mayor noted pension costs continue to rise, making it difficult to control city spending despite efforts to reduce the workforce over the past few years.

Ryan made his budget presentation to City Council last week. The mayor said his spending message will be shown on Time Warner Cable channel 12 at 7:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday.