Proposed Budget Extends County’s Zero Percent Tax Levy Average to Nine Years
Schenectady County Manager Rory Fluman delivered his proposed 2025 Tentative Operating Budget and proposed 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program to the County Legislature today. Manager Fluman will make a formal budget presentation to the Legislature on Monday, September 30, 2024. Both documents are available at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/county-manager.
The Tentative 2025 Operating Budget includes $429,613,700 in appropriations and a zero percent increase in the County’s property tax levy.
“This budget reflects our commitment to building a thriving, equitable, and resilient community,” said Schenectady County Manager Rory Fluman. “I look forward to working with the County Legislature to review this proposal and continue advancing new initiatives that align with their goals and priorities to use our resources efficiently, support economic growth, and provide the essential services that benefit all of our residents.”
“I look forward to the County Manager's budget presentation and working with my colleagues to finalize a budget in the coming weeks,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Our focus continues to prioritize the delivery of essential services our residents rely on, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and holding the line on taxes.”
“We thank the County Manager and his staff for their diligence in preparing a budget that reflects the Legislature’s commitment to responsible financial management,” said Schenectady County Legislator Philip Fields, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. “Thanks to sound fiscal stewardship, we’ve maintained the County’s tax levy at 2016 levels while making investments in essential community services and infrastructure, ensuring a bright future for Schenectady County without increasing the burden on taxpayers.”
Highlights of the County Budget proposal include:
Holding the Line on Property Taxes
The proposed budget includes a property tax levy of $71,086,466, which represents a zero percent increase from the 2024 Adopted Operating Budget. Since 2017, the average increase in the County’s tax levy is zero percent, which has saved taxpayers $63 million over the same period, had the levy increased by the maximum allowed under the State Property Tax Cap.
Changes in the tax levy
2017: 0%
2018: -1%
2019: 0%
2020: 0%
2021: 1.95%
2022: -1%
2023: 0%
2024: 0%
2025: 0%
Mandated Costs
County government budgets in New York State remain dominated by state and federally mandated programs. More than 52 percent of the proposed property tax levy is allocated to the County’s share of Medicaid. Other mandated costs include Temporary Assistance (TANF & SafetyNet), Child Welfare, Community College chargebacks, Early Intervention, Preschool Education, Indigent Defense, Probation, Youth Detention, Foster Care and Public Health.
Investing in Infrastructure
The $60 million proposed 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program includes over $26 million for capital projects in 2025, including more than $3.4 million for SUNY Schenectady, and $7.5 million in airport upgrades.
The 2025 capital budget includes $23.6 million in transportation appropriations to fund road and bridge infrastructure improvements. Projects planned for completion in 2025 include Grand Boulevard Pavement Preservation & Improvements Project and the Dunnsville Road Culvert Replacement Project.
Schenectady County continues to seek and evaluate potential properties for consolidating several County departments to enhance accessibility and reduce operational costs. The County will issue an RFP/RFI to assist with this process.
Providing Services to the Community
The proposed budget provides for the continuation of services residents rely on, including:
- Increasing the County’s contribution to SUNY Schenectady by three percent, investing more than $3.4 million in capital projects and equipment, and contributing an additional $2 million for the new Schenectady County Higher Education Promise, for an investment totaling over $5.7 million for the college;
- Investments in public safety, including the specialized Targeted Street Crime Unit and Sheriff’s Drug Task Force;
- Continuing Schenectady County Cares, a one stop childcare resource center for those in need of childcare subsidies and information about becoming a registered provider;
- Taking a comprehensive approach through our Department of Social Services to address community needs, including the challenge of limited affordable housing in our area;
- Connecting adults and youth with workforce development opportunities;
- Working with local health care providers, law enforcement, first responders, and community partners to provide immediate access to treatment, address systems gaps, and implement new strategies to impact heroin and opioid use, including complete treatment programs, Naloxone training, community housing, and Day Hab support for those who struggle with drug and alcohol issues;
- Support for the County’s Glendale Home, a cornerstone to our commitment to quality elder care.
2025 Budget Presentation and Review Schedule
Monday, September 30
County Manager Budget Presentation, Special Meeting, and Budget Review 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 1
Budget Review 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 2
Budget Review 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 3
Budget Review 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8
Public Hearing 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 9
Budget Consideration 7:00 p.m.
Meetings will be streamed live on Schenectady County’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/SchenectadyCounty.