NORWICH – Chenango County released a tentative budget for next year that not only complies with New York’s mandated 2 percent property tax cap, but also reduces reliance on set aside county reserves by a million dollars.

Furthermore, the 2012 plan would reduce the average tax rate by more than a quarter, keep spending in check, cut 4.25 full-time government positions, take landfill fringe benefits off the real property tax roll, and pay off all remaining debt.

It is also ahead of schedule. State law requires an official to present a budget to the clerk of the board’s office no later than Nov. 15.

“I think we have a decent story to tell,” said Chenango County Treasurer William C. Craine upon releasing the positive news to The Evening Sun late Friday. Lawmakers had their first peek at the draft on Oct. 27. Craine said he encouraged department directors and supervisors to begin their work early because of the tax cap.

“I didn’t want any surprises,” he said.