Binghamton Budget Finalized

11/21/2012 (Updated 11:24:19 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- Binghamton's 2013 City Budget has been finalized after months of debate, with a lower tax hike than Mayor Matt Ryan initially proposed.

Residents will experience a 6.9 percent increase in the residental property tax rate.  Mayor Ryan had originally  called for a 10.8 percent tax hike. The budget cuts bring the city's budget within the state's mandatory tax cap.

"I was disappointed we needed to do an increase.  When we get elected to office we want to cut taxes and create a safe environment.  But sometimes we can't help it,"  said Councilman Chris Papastrat.

The one item that council chose to restore from budget cuts is a $90,000 dollar machine that recycles asphalt.