Dutchess County’s 2018 Budget
Adopted with Bipartisan Support
Poughkeepsie, NY… The 2018 Dutchess County Budget was adopted last night in a 24-1 bipartisan vote by the Dutchess County Legislature. The budget was adopted with minimal amendments to Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro’s Proposed County Budget. The budget reduces the county property tax levy by more than $92,000 and lowers the property tax rate for a third straight year from $3.58 to $3.54 per $1,000 of true value assessments while maintaining all existing services and programs, with some key services expanded including addiction and mental health services, ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiatives, youth services and shared services.
“I am grateful to all those in the Dutchess County Legislature who supported the 2018 Dutchess County Budget, providing the fourth consecutive tax levy decrease to our residents and businesses, lowering the tax rate for a third straight year and continuing the many high-quality programs and services people depend on,” said County Executive Molinaro. “It is a fair and responsible budget that continues our commitment to bring financial security while expanding the services necessary to meet the ever-changing needs of our residents.”
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Dale Borchert said, “This budget is a balanced plan for 2018, delivering continuing tax relief for our residents while enhancing the services our community needs and expects. I am grateful to County Executive Molinaro and his administration, our county department heads, and my fellow legislators – in particular, the members of the Budget, Finance, and Personnel Committee – for a collaborative budget process that has ensured continued fiscal stability and success for Dutchess County and its citizens. ”
Legislative Amendments to the 2018 County Budget include:
- $65,000 in additional funding for Veterans Supportive Housing, bringing the total 2018 appropriation to $100,000.
- $34,000 for community CPR training.
- $1,000 pilot program for publicly accessible hand sanitizer stations in county facilities.
- $100,000 capital match for Family Services to replace the boiler at the Family Partnership Center.
- $25,000 for emergency shelter space at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center
- $15,000 to increase Dutchess County Emergency Response volunteer Deputy Coordinators’ stipends from $3000 to $4000 annually.
The additional expense was offset by corresponding state aid reimbursement and lower health insurance costs.
Dutchess County Legislator Angela Flesland, Chair of the Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee, said, “The 2018 Dutchess County Budget continues County Executive Molinaro’s sound fiscal policies by lowering taxes for property owners while maintaining vital programs and services important to our seniors, veterans, children and families. I was proud to spearhead several amendments to the budget including additional funding for Veterans Supportive Housing, community CPR training and the installation of publicly accessible hand sanitizer stations in county facilities. As I end my 10-year tenure in the Dutchess County Legislature, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the residents of Dutchess County, working alongside my colleagues to deliver responsible and meaningful legislation. I extend my deepest thanks to County Executive Molinaro and his administration, county staff, fellow legislators, and the public for your steadfast commitment to Dutchess County and its continued prosperity.”
Dutchess County Legislator Barbara Jeter-Jackson said, “This is a fiscally sound budget for 2018 that ensures continued stability and ensures critical community needs, including mental health, addiction recovery and youth services, are being met and enhanced. I am very pleased my colleagues supported the additional amendments for the boiler replacement at the Family Partnership Center and emergency sheltering at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in the City of Poughkeepsie. These facilities are vital in the City for so many of our residents.”
County Executive Molinaro said, “While Dutchess County, like every community in our state, faces challenges moving forward – be it addiction or mandates from Albany, among others – this 2018 budget provides for our residents and their needs. Whether it’s housing for veterans, services for every resident of every ability or combatting the opioid crisis, the County Legislature and I share the same vision of making Dutchess County a strong community for all who live here.”
The adoption of the 2018 Dutchess County Budget followed several public forums, including a countywide tele-town hall, where residents had the opportunity to speak with County Executive Molinaro to learn about the details of the budget, ask questions and share their feedback.
The final step in the 2018 Dutchess County Budget process– the adoption of the tax levy – will be on Monday, December 18th at the Dutchess County Legislature’s Board meeting.
# # #
2018 Budget Highlights include:
- Property Tax Levy Reduction of more than $92,000.
- Average Property Tax Rate Reduced from $3.58 to $3.54 per $1,000 of true value assessments.
- Total 2018 appropriations of $480,204,857.
- No reduction in programs or services.
- No increase to parks fees, including park facility rentals and kids summer programming.
- $2.3 million investment in economic development, tourism, arts and agriculture to continue to strengthen the local economy.
- $26 million infrastructure investment in the operating budget and the capital plan for road and bridge repairs and improvements
- Launch of “Breaking Through” initiative to combat opiate abuse including expansion of 24/7 intervention resources and focused effort to break though stigma attached with mental issue and addiction issues.
- $1 million for Municipal Innovative Grant, encouraging further shared service efforts.
- $1 million for Agency Partner Grant program, an increase of $100,000 over 2017.
- Expansion of ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiatives for new educational, transportation and employment opportunities.
