Budget Proposal to Include
Largest Tax Levy Reduction in Two Decades
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced this morning that his 2020 Executive Budget, to be released on October 30th, will include the largest property tax levy cut in 20 years and will reduce the county property tax rate for the 5th consecutive year, providing continued tax relief for homeowners and businesses. Dutchess County Government’s strong fiscal management and focus on continued economic growth are driving down property taxes, while enhancing programs and services for residents.
“With unwavering commitment to responsible fiscal management, we continue to find ways to cut county property taxes, and we will do so for the 6th consecutive year with the 2020 budget,” said County Executive Molinaro. “And for the 5th straight year, homeowners and businesses will have a lower property tax rate thanks to our focus on growing the local economy and expanding the tax base. Homeowners and businesses have been able to count on Dutchess County Government for consistently strong tax relief, inspiring confidence for continued investment in our community.”
County Executive Molinaro’s focus on strengthening the local economy has been a critical factor in the continued cuts to property taxes and has enabled Dutchess County Government to expand and enhance services for residents over the last several years. Dutchess County’s total assessed valuation has increased every year for the past five years to more than $32 billion for 2020, creating a larger tax base and driving down the tax rate. New investment can be seen throughout every part of the county, with $4.7 billion worth of projects in development as the local economy continues to grow and diversify. Dutchess County has seen 23 consecutive months of private sector job growth as well as growth in average weekly wages, helping to buoy sales tax revenue. Tourism visitor spending also continues to rise, growing 6.8% to $642.2 million in 2018, providing additional sales tax and hotel occupancy tax revenues. Molinaro’s 2020 Executive Budget proposal will continue to support and enhance the work of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. and the Th!nk Dutchess Alliance for Business to expand on this success.
With strong sales tax and hotel occupancy tax revenues, Dutchess County Government has been able to expand services for residents, while lowering property taxes. Multiple new initiatives have launched and service enhancements have been made in all areas of County government over the past few years. A few highlights include:
24/7 Stabilization Center, which has served more than 3,800 individuals since opening;
New Office for the Aging Senior Center in Poughkeepsie, expanded service for home- delivered meals, home care, and increased operating days for Senior Friendship Centers;
Largest expansion of Dutchess County Parks with acquisition of the Lake Walton Preserve, plans for an urban trail network in the City of Poughkeepsie to connect to the Dutchess Rail Trail, and expansion of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail connecting into Columbia County, as well as improvements to Dutchess Stadium; and
ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, which has helped to change attitudes about individuals with developmental disabilities and has inspired new efforts throughout Dutchess County, as well as New York State.
In his 2020 budget proposal, Molinaro will continue to enhance and improve these services as well as others important to residents, with additional funding for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, youth and family services, infrastructure investment, mental health and addiction prevention, public safety, assistance for veterans, support for the arts, senior transportation and more.
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver said, “The Legislature has worked diligently with County Executive Molinaro’s administration to deliver on the services our residents need and want, while continuing to provide tax relief to county residents. We have found a solid formula that works – combining a conservative fiscal approach with smart investments in innovative programs and services. I am pleased that formula will deliver yet another tax cut in 2020. I look forward to the County Executive’s budget presentation later this month and getting the budget review process under way.”
County Executive Molinaro will present his 2020 Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, October 30th at 10 a.m. in the Legislative Chambers, 22 Market Street in Poughkeepsie, in advance of the November 1st deadline required by the Dutchess County Administrative Code. The County Executive’s Budget Address can be viewed live on the County’s website, dutchessny.gov. Later that evening on the 30th, at 6:30 p.m., County Executive Molinaro and Budget Director Jessica White will host a countywide tele-town hall forum when residents will have the opportunity to participate in a live conversation about the 2020 County Budget, learn key details, ask questions and share feedback. County Executive Molinaro will also host a series of 2020 Executive Budget town hall forum events throughout the county during the month of November.
