CHENANGO – According to information released from Chenango County officials, the 2021 budget is expected to have $400,000 less in total appropriations than the year before.

Documents show the county preparing for reduced aid and income. Officials said they only expect 90 percent of the New York State aid they received last year, and approximately 7 percent less sales tax when compared to 2019.

The county continues to maintain a New York State Comptroller’s rating of not in fiscal stress, and it continues to maintain a general fund surplus of $15,000,000.

The surplus balance on December 31, 2019 was $24,000,000, and some of that money will be used to offset potential 2020 and 2021 deficits which could be as high as five to seven million dollars according to the 2021 tentative budget report.

To read more about Chenango County’s developing budget, check the coming editions of the Evening Sun.

- By Zachary Meseck, Sun Staff Writer