by Rich Crist Majority Legislative Liaison
The Rensselaer County Legislature voted Monday to approve the 2014 County budget, with the budget maintaining needed County services and the County’s strong fiscal position while staying under the State tax cap.
The 2014 County budget is the third consecutive County budget to stay under the tax cap, with the County complying with the tax cap each year the tax cap has been in place.
The budget, as adopted, includes a minimal property tax increase of three-quarters of one percent. The budget, when proposed in October, originally included a tax increase of just under one percent. The proposed increase was reduced thanks to a cooperative effort between the County Executive and Legislators, with an additional savings of $100,000 achieved during the effort.
“The 2014 County budget maintains needed County services, protects the positive fiscal standing and bond ratings the County has earned and for the third consecutive year, stays under the State tax cap, during the prolonged recession. This is a solid plan that will help guide the County in 2014,” said Chairman of the Legislature Martin Reid.
The budget includes a slight decrease in the legislative budget in 2014, with legislative spending now at a level comparable to the early 1990s.
“The County Executive and majority legislators worked together to generate an additional $100,000 in savings and further reduce the amount of the property tax increase next year. These savings are accompanied by a savings in the legislative operations during 2013 and continues our focus on being as cost effective as possible during challenging economic times,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature for Finance Phil Danaher.
Proposed changes to the initial spending plan also include a local law to formalize the process as to how municipalities can re-levy demolition charges to the County. This program is expected to save $10,000 in County costs.
Additionally, newly vacant positions in the County Jail will remain unfilled until the additional $90,000 in savings is achieved.
Legislators and the Executive also will put a priority focus on a plan to improve County roads and bridges that is expected to be presented to the Legislature in early 2014, along with replacement of a bridge near the Tomhannock Reservoir.
“This budget also reflects innovative shared services agreements that have helped control costs and assisted job creation projects like the expansion of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Stan Brownell.
“The fact the County is moving ahead with plans to improve County roads and bridges is good news, especially given the challenges created by mandates and a tough economy,” said Majority Leader Ken Herrington.
The budget was approved by a vote of 12-7, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting in opposition.