Johnson City taxpayers can expect a little less burden on their wallets next year. Village Board trustees unanimously passed the 2011-2012 budget, a $22 million dollar spending plan with a tax rate increase of 1.25 percent. That’s half of what the rate was last year — Which was just more than 2.9 percent. The Village expects 5 Village employees to retire shortly. Mayor Dennis Hannon says it won’t fill those positions — and that’s the only reason why there won’t be a major tax rate increase. Hannon says the ever shrinking tax base in Johnson City is concerning. Firefighters and the Village are preparing to open contract negotiations. The current contract expires May 31st. Local law firm Coughlin and Gerhart has been designated as the negotiation team. It will work with village leaders. Proposals are now being coordinated.
