NORWICH – Chenango County budgeting officials say they are working diligently to hold the line on next year’s taxes in light of the nation’s economic downturn.

“People are walking up to me on the street and asking me questions (about the tax rate for 2009) who have never asked me those questions before,” Treasurer William E. Evans said. “It’s a tenuous time.”

Based on recommendations made by department directors and their standing committees, preliminary calculations point to a 2 percent increase on the levy. Evans said he was encouraging directors to pare down their proposals even further.

“We would like the levy to hold to a zero increase. ... I would recommend that it’s a pressing need that we get this levy down,” Evans said.

The 2008 real property tax levy of $22.7 million represented a 0.75 percent hike.