Matt Bathrick is reporting in the Columbia Paper the Claverack Town Board last week approved its 2014 budget, totaling almost $2.3 million. The total represents an increase of less than $6,000 over the 2013 spending plan. The tax levy will increase 1.66 percent. Town Supervisor Robin Andrews said, “Everything basically stayed the same. There were no fun surprises this year of anything going down, which sometimes happens.” In addition to increases in health insurance costs, full-time hourly employees of the town will receive a two percent pay raise. No elected officials will receive a raise. All members of the board present voted in favor of the budget. Board member and Supervisor-elect Cliff Weigelt was absent for the vote. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.