SCHENECTADY — The Schenectady County Legislature will hold a public hearing Tuesday regarding a proposed $377.9 million budget and capital improvement plan for the next five years.
The proposed 2023 budget, unveiled by County Executive Rory Fluman earlier this month, would increase spending by $35 million over the current spending plan, but does not include any further increases in property tax rates. . The county’s $71 million tax levy would remain the same as the current operating budget.
A total of $12.4 million in surplus and reserve funds would be used to balance the budget, which also includes $113.8 million in sales tax revenue, an increase of $10 million from the current budget . The proposal also assumes the county will collect $3.25 million in gaming revenue from casino hosts.
The proposed spending plan includes a $2 million increase in county pension spending for next year, the equivalent of 22.6%, bringing the county’s pension liability to $10.8 million.
In addition, the proposal includes $18.5 million in transportation expenses, including 60 miles for preventative maintenance and 20 miles for surface treatments.
Support for SUNY Schenectady Community College would increase for the eighth consecutive year under the proposed plan, to $2.4 million, a 2% increase over the current spending level. The county would also contribute $1.3 million to service the college’s debt, bringing the county’s total support for the college to $3.8 million.
In addition to the proposed spending plan, the Legislative Assembly will also hold a public hearing on its 2023-2028 capital improvement plan, which includes $44 million in improvements over the next five years.
The proposed plan recommends $37 million in capital projects and equipment in 2023, including $10.4 million in upgrades at SUNY Schenectady; $9.6 million in facility upgrades; and $5.2 million for improvements to the county airport. The plan also provides $5.8 million for engineering and public works projects, including $5.1 million for improvements to the county’s highways and $724,650 for improvements to Habel Lane in the city. of Glenville.
Earlier this year, the Legislature authorized up to $15.9 million in borrowing to help cover the cost of projects identified under the 2022-2027 capital project plan, including projects at the airport and county-owned facilities.
If approved in its current form, the 2023 draft budget would continue the trend of keeping property taxes flat that dates back to 2017.
County property tax decreased 1% in 2018 and remained flat until 2021 when the tax increased 1.95% due to the pandemic. But the tax levy has fallen by 1% under the current spending plan.
Tuesday’s public hearing, required by state law, will give residents a chance to voice their opinions on the proposed budget before lawmakers consider final approval, which could happen as soon as October 19.
The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at the Schenectady County Office Building, 620 State St. in Schenectady. Additional details on the proposed spending plan can be found on the county’s website.
Contact journalist Chad Arnold at: [email protected] Follow him on Twitter: @ChadGArnold.
Categories: News, News, Schenectady County
