GERMAN – The Town of German is facing its toughest fiscal year in recent memory, says Supervisor Richard Schlag.

Schlag is running unopposed for his 8th term as supervisor.

A just under 2 percent decrease in the town’s taxable value combined with an unspecified increase in highway maintenance costs is going to pinch the 2010 budget.

“We try to keep the tax levy in line with the assessed value increase each year... basically we try to keep steady taxes.” said Schlag. “This year that is going to be extremely difficult.”