FLY CREEK- After a few last minute cuts, the 2003 town of Otsego budget was finalized last Wednesday, eliminating the need for previously planned tax increase.

The revised budget calls for a $3,000 decrease in the total tax levy from 2002, resulting in $950,096 to be raised by taxes, said Bill Gates, Otsego town supervisor.

According to Gates, small cuts in spending and a modest increase in the town's tax base, most taxpayers will see a small decrease in their town tax bill.

But before the cuts were made, town residents let the board know they were unhappy with the pending tax increase.

" I was born here and now I can't afford to stay here," said John Shallert Jr., of Wileytown Rd. at the beginning of the meeting. Shallert questioned why the Otsego Highway Department had more employees and equipment than surrounding towns. Several people vocally agreed with Shallert and his statement that the men working in other towns are not twice as good as the men working in Otsego.

Jim Atwell, who lives on the corner of Cemetary and Alison Roads, also spoke about the issue of a growing budget that was disproportionate to the towns around Otsego.

Following the comments, Gates proposed the spending cuts, including the exclusion of a new dump truck purchase.

"I'm very pleased we were able to come in with no tax increase, particularly with all the talk about a possible large increase from the County," said Bill Gates Otsego Town Supervisor.

Gates said a $45,000 reserve fund was added in case of an unexpected expense, namely a new truck that may be purchased in the next year or two.

Bill Michaels, councilman, argued unsuccessfully that residents would rather have the budget lowered than put aside money for a truck Otsego was not ready to purchase during the coming year.

"It's prudent to put money aside," Gates explained in agreement with councilwoman Nancy Iverson. "You know expenses will come up. We want to try and avoid borrowing."

Atwell also commented about a proposed new highway building to be placed in the center of a residencial area in Fly Creek.

"The [2003] budget does not include money for the building," Gates responded. "Any money for a building will be bonded."

Barbara Lyons who lives on Cemetary Rd., was concerned about the location of the proposed new highway building. "When will other options be considered?" she asked.

Gates said it was too early to make those kinds of decisions. The town board first needed to find someone to do a structural assessment of the present buidling.

"We will keep everyone fully informed," Gates said.

In other news:

BULLET Patti Timoney from the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, proposed the SSPCA being an animal shelter for the Town of Otsego. She said the SSPCA had double the space for animals because they also have access to the animal shelter in Oneonta.

Gates replied that the board would discuss the animal shelter in the next meeting.

BULLET Gates notified the board he had recieved a letter from the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation, stating that the Cornfield located on County Rte. 26, had been placed on the national registry of historic places. The field had already been listed on the state registry.

BULLET Iverson explained a letter from the village about the reorganization of the watershed supervisory committee.