STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. -- Residents in Steuben County are getting a little bit of a break on next year's property taxes. Under the proposed 2009 budget unveiled Friday, the tax rate will decrease by nearly five percent to $8.85 per thousand dollars of assessed value.

The more than $179 million budget lowers spending by more than a million dollars overall, but adds to the county share of programs, like Medicaid. County leaders are taking in nearly $2 million more in taxes to cover those costs, but that's spread over a growing base.

The county administrator says he's pleased with the budget, especially considering uncertainty at the state level.

"Well, this year's budget is a challenge. We've tried to put together a plan that's as flexible as possible, provides for those priorities that the county has and still, at the same time, protects the taxpayer," said Steuben County Administrator Mark Alger.

Steuben County leaders will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2009 budget November 24th at 6 p.m. in the legislative chambers.

Also on Friday, lawmakers voted to approve raises for some department heads and managers and all union employees for next year.