Picente’s 2022 Budget Proposal Carries No Increase to Property Tax Levy for Ninth Straight Year

UTICA — County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. presented a 2022 proposed budget and capital plan to the Board of Legislators today that carried with it no increase in the property tax levy for the ninth year in a row.

“One zero is hard enough, but nine straight, including two during a pandemic, is an accomplishment I am very proud of,” Picente said. “We have been able to do this by controlling discretionary spending, creating efficiencies and through unique revenue sources like the Oneida Nation agreement.”

“The impacts COVID-19 are still being felt, but we have successfully managed through economic trials and societal tribulations,” Picente added. “We know this county is on the right path forward. The proof is all around. This budget continues us down that path. It does it by being smart, efficient and fiscally conservative.”

The $457 million proposal is a balanced budget that appropriates $114 million in sales tax revenue, $20.85 million in Oneida Nation revenue and retires $19 million in debt. The 6-year capital plan totals $29 million.

Picente said the increase in sales tax was a surprise this year and that budgeting it was a challenge for 2022, as the County is taking into account new trends and loss of revenue in 2020. He said the County benefited from the inclusion of revenue from internet sales and adjusted an increase from the 2019 budget through the 2022 budget.

The budget proposal also restores funding for libraries, humane societies, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Mohawk Valley EDGE.

The $22 million allotted to the county in federal funding from the American Rescue Act will be used for revenue replacement from the past 18 months, continued COVID-19 expenses and to reduce the need for increased bonding on capital projects.

Picente also said a countywide mental health assessment will be conducted to better understand the consequences of the pandemic, assess the system in place, identify gaps and bolster services in the community.

The Board of Legislators will vote on the County Executive’s 2022 budget proposal at its meeting on Nov. 10, 2021.

Full 2022 Budget Proposal Report: https://ocgov.net/sites/default/files/planning/GPL/2022%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf

Full 2022 Budget Address: https://ocgov.net/sites/default/files/planning/GPL/2022%20Budget%20Address%20FINAL.pdf

Video of today’s budget presentation: https://fb.watch/8s8Kg5uwM2/