Molinaro’s 2022 Executive Budget
to Provide Record Property Tax Cuts
8th straight year of tax cuts & largest levy reduction in Dutchess County history
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro will present his 2022 Executive Budget on Wednesday, October 27th and the proposal will include the largest tax cut in Dutchess County’s history, with a $5.5 million reduction to the County property tax levy and a cut of more than 10% to the property tax rate on taxpayers’ bills.
The budget proposal provides for the 8th consecutive property tax levy cut and the 7th consecutive property tax rate cut. Coupled with the recently announced proposal to eliminate sales tax on clothing and footwear items less than $110, the 2022 Executive Budget provides historic tax relief and represents the Molinaro administration’s continued commitment to tax relief for homeowners and businesses. The combined impact of the sales tax and property tax measures is projected at $20 million in annual savings to taxpayers.
“Over the past two years, residents, families, farmers and businesses have faced so much uncertainty, but throughout it all they have been able to count on the consistency and competence of Dutchess County Government – our commitment to quality services and sound fiscal management,” said County Executive Molinaro. “In 2022, we continue our commitment to tax relief with our 8thstraight property tax cut – the largest cut in Dutchess County history – delivering on our promise to put tax dollars back into residents’ pockets whenever we can, while improving the programs and service they count on.”
The Molinaro administration’s focus on responsible fiscal management and growing the local economy have been critical in delivering property tax relief as well as allowing Dutchess County Government to expand and enhance services for residents over the last several years, even while dealing with the impacts and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The County took multiple, proactive measures to reduce costs throughout 2020 and 2021, including employee retirement/separation incentives, in anticipation of sales tax and other revenue losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dutchess County has seen revenues rebound strongly in 2021, with sales tax receipts well exceeding original projections year-to-date and continued federal reimbursement for many of the COVID-19 expenses as well as American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. This has enabled the County to fill many of the positions that had been held vacant this year and restore full position funding in the 2022 Executive Budget, expand and enhance programs, while also reducing the property tax levy – the amount collected from property taxpayers.
Additionally, the local economy continues to grow with new investment seen throughout the County. Dutchess County’s total assessed valuation has increased over the past several years, now totaling more than $35 billion for 2022, creating a larger tax base and helping drive down the property tax rate.
County Legislator William Truitt, Chairman of the Legislature’s Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee who represents the Town of Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie, said, “This historic tax relief is the result of County Executive Molinaro’s years of sound fiscal management of the dollars local residents entrust to Dutchess County. I’m proud to have worked with this administration over the years to ensure County residents receive the most for their tax dollars, and this Executive Budget will return to them more of their hard-earned money than ever before.”
Residents will continue to see program and service enhancements and expansions in the 2022 Executive budget proposal, including mental health services, domestic violence victim advocacy, expanded in-home senior care support, emergency preparedness, small business promotion and support, parks investments, opioid abuse treatment and case management and more.
County Legislator Stephen Caswell, who represents the Town of East Fishkill said, “Delivering high quality services to those who need them while reducing tax bills for families and businesses is testament to the continued conservative, thoughtful leadership that has guided this county over the last several years. I look forward to working with my colleagues to review the 2022 Executive Budget and delivering this historic tax relief to residents.”
County Executive Molinaro will present his 2022 Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, October 27th at 11 a.m. at the Dutchess Community College Aviation Center at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappinger, in advance of the November 1st deadline required by the Dutchess County Administrative Code.
The County Executive’s Budget Address can be live on the County’s website, dutchessny.gov. Later that evening, at 5:30 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 2022 County Budget, learn key details, ask questions and share feedback.
The County Executive is also hosting a series of town hall meetings throughout the County before and after the budget is released. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Monday, October 18th Town of Poughkeepsie Senior Center
3:00pm 14 Abes Way, Poughkeepsie
Tuesday, October 19th Beekman Recreation Centr
6:00pm 29 Recreation Center Road, Hopewell Junction
Wednesday, October 20th Wilcox Memorial Town Hall
6:00pm 20 Wilcox Circle, Milan
Tuesday, November 9th East Fishkill Town Hall
6:00pm 330 Route 376, Hopewell Junction
