No Hike In
Proposed 2020 County Tax Rate
By Doug La Rocque
In fact, on average, the county tax rate for next year will drop about 20 cents per thousand of assessed valuation. This marks the second consecutive year Rensselaer County will see a slight drop in the tax rate. Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin told those gathered in the Legislative Chambers on Friday afternoon, October 18, it also marks the ninth consecutive year the County has been under the state tax cap, something he said not many other counties in the state can say. The County Executive went on to add “This is a balanced, forward-looking budget and a document that, when finally adopted, after careful consideration by this body, will serve our County and our residents well during the coming year. There is reason for optimism and reason to take pride in the effective management of the tax dollars entrusted to us by our residents.”
Mr. McLaughlin noted the budget follows some major economic developments in the County, including the Amazon Warehouse in Schodack that may employ as many as 800 people, a significant expansion of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush, as well as growth in retail corridors in Brunswick, North and East Greenbush, and other areas. He also said county finances have benefited from a strong performance on sales tax revenues, and the county’s full property value has also increased. As to county government itself, he said during this past year Rensselaer County realized a $600,000 savings in personnel cost, and another $200,000 in purchasing.
The County Legislators received the budget just before Mr. McLaughlin’s address, with District 5 lawmakers Bruce Patire and Jeff Wysocki telling The Eastwick Press, on the whole they are pleased with what they heard, but wanted to look it over in regards to the eastern portion of the County. Mr. Patire said roads are always an important factor in the rural areas, and wanted to assure there was as much of a commitment to these areas as there is in the more populous portions of the county. In his address, Mr. McLaughlin noted the County Highway Department has paved 30 miles of roads so far this year.
Legislative Minority Leader Peter Grimm said he is hopeful about the budget process, in particular because of no tax hike, and that his caucus is planning meetings very soon to go through the spending plan and make its recommendations. Majority Leader Mike Stammel voiced the same sentiment, and said he plans to meet with his fellow lawmakers in the near future to start the review process.
The legislature must hold a public hearing on the budget, including any changes they may wish to make. It is slated for a vote in early to mid December, after which County Executive McLaughlin can accept or veto.