Submitted by the Office of Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin and the Rensselaer County Legislature Office of the Minority
At a special meeting on Tuesday, November 29, the Rensselaer County Legislature approved the 2023 County budget by a vote of 16-2, earning strong bi-partisan support. The budget provides a one-percent property tax decrease, marking the fifth straight year with such a reduction. The spending plan will upgrade important services for public safety, seniors, and transportation, as well as supporting the Reimagine Rensselaer initiative. The County will also be able to continue upgrades to its road network, and the equipment used by the Highway Department.
“The budget continues the progress of the Reimagine Rensselaer initiative that includes the new fire training center in North Greenbush, the new senior center in Troy, and the move to the new offices in East Greenbush. A fifth consecutive property tax cut is also welcome news for all of us, especially as the cost of living continues to rise,” said Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman.
While the budget passed by a vast margin, members of Legislative Minority leadership expressed concerns on matters such as positions within the legislature said to be budged for, but not filled, and questions on the Reimagine Rensselaer initiative.
Legislative Minority Leader Peter Grimm stated:
“The Democratic Minority continues to seek answers to important fiscal questions and concerns related to the County Executive’s Reimagine Rensselaer County Plan, which will move many County services out of the City of Troy, to the Town of East Greenbush, costing millions of dollars and a potential economic shift that negatively affects the City of Troy.”
The 2023 budget was supervised by County Budget Director Stacey Farrar, who is retiring next month. She is credited with outstanding management of budget issues, especially during the turbulence of the pandemic.
