Fifth Straight Year with Property Tax Reduction
From the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
The proposed 2023 Rensselaer County budget would include a 1 percent property tax reduction, making it the fifth consecutive year with such a reduction. When combined with the previous four years, property taxes will have been reduced by 20 percent under County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
“Under the 2023 budget, the County tax levy will decrease by 1 percent. While modest, when coupled with the previous tax reductions from the past four years, it will mean our taxes have decreased by one-fifth in just five years. A 20 percent reduction in taxes is, we believe, is not equaled by any County in the State, and shows Rensselaer County is a leader in protecting taxpayers and encouraging other development,” added McLaughlin.
McLaughlin noted the County’s strong performance in sales tax, which has continued to be healthy in recent months. For 2023, the County estimates sales tax at $102.5 million.
The budget also incorporates the Reimagine Rensselaer County project, including the purchase of 99 Troy Road in East Greenbush, which will house a number of County offices and functions. The Reimagine project will see the County owning a larger percentage of buildings housing Rensselaer County services than at any time in its history.
“Along with providing more control and stability for the County over our facilities, there will be a long-term positive impact on County finances. The lease for Social Services and other functions cost the County approximately $12 million over the life of the agreement. At the end of that $12 million, there is no equity, no ownership, and no control over future operations,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin also criticized the series of criminal justice reforms, including bail reform and raising the age provisions.
“To date, by our estimates, by the end of the 2023 fiscal year, the County will have paid nearly $1 million in taxpayer funds for criminal justice reforms, which is unfair on multiple levels,” added McLaughlin.
There will also be a continued focus on improving County roads, with another 35 miles on track to be paved.
Budget Director Stacey Farrar, who will be retiring at the end of the year, was also acknowledged by McLaughlin, for her 30 year career with the County.
“Her work has not been easy. She is often the first in, and the last out. She is regularly here on weekends, holidays, and is relentless in her mission. She has been careful, meticulous, conscientious and translator of all things numerical and fiscal. Stacey is also irreplaceable,” Stated McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said he looks forward to a positive budget review process and a continuation of the cooperation seen during other budget reviews and approvals.
