Picente Proposes No Increase to Property Tax Levy in 2020 Budget

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. presented a 2020 proposed county budget and capital plan to the Board of Legislators on Friday that carried with it no increase in the property tax levy for the seventh year in a row.

The $439.6 million budget proposal includes a balanced budget that would provide funding initiatives to battle the opioid crisis, foster economic development, purchase school bus cameras and support animal shelters and libraries.

“This budget reflects the priorities that will capitalize on the opportunities that are in front of us all,” Picente said. “Because of strong fiscal management, real partnerships and a solid financial plan that we never wavered from, I have been able to increase funding for initiatives throughout this county and not raise our property tax levy for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year.”

The County Executive’s proposed budget includes:

• $1.2 million to fund the Oneida County Opiate Task Force. The 50/50 split between the county and a grant from the U.S. Bureau of Justice will be used for the collection of essential overdose data, major education and prevention initiatives, peer advocacy efforts and treatment programs.
• A $2 million Oneida County Opportunity Fund that capitalizes on revenue from the county reserves and gaming revenue from the Oneida Nation to address critical economic development priorities throughout the county including infrastructure, workforce development, marketing and attraction, housing development, and Main Street and community revitalization.
• $100,000 to purchase school bus cameras as part of a local law that will impose consequences for those who recklessly pass stopped school buses and put children’s lives in danger.
• A $150,000 Animal Protection Fund that will help support the efforts of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, Rome Humane Society and Spring Farms Cares.
• A six percent increase across the board to fund the community-enriching services and programs of Oneida County’s libraries.

Within his $15 million capital budget plan proposal, Picente retires $17.8 million in debt while setting aside $6.25 million for county roads and bridges, an increase of nearly $2 million over previous years.

He also provides funding for information technology, flood mitigation and Mohawk Valley Community College projects; building repairs and the complete build out of the county’s remaining radio communication towers.

The Board of Legislators will vote on the County Executive’s 2020 budget proposal at its Nov. 13 meeting.

To view the entire budget and capital plan proposal click here.

To read Picente's Budget Address click here.