POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess
County Executive Marcus Molinaro today took the wraps off his proposed
2016 county budget and it contains a 1.6 percent reduction in the tax
rate.
There will also be no cuts in services or programs. “Our commitment
is to smaller, smarter and more efficient government,” he said.
The financial plan, which must be approved by the county legislature,
includes property tax freeze credit rebates through shared service and
consolidation while remaining under the tax cap; no new taxes and no sales
tax on residential energy; focus on prevention, intervention and diversion
including the merger of the departments of Health and Mental Health; expansion
of Think Differently initiatives; continued investment in economic development
with a targeted business attraction program, increased tourism promotion
and agricultural support; and $10.8 million in infrastructure investment.
Dale Borchert, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee of the county
legislature, said the tentative fiscal plan “delivers solid financial
savings for Dutchess County and its taxpayers.”
County Legislature Democratic Minority Leader Barbara Jeter-Jackson said
the tentative budget “appears to find a way to reduce costs without
reducing needed services.” She said she is pleased that the spending
plan includes “an increased focus on family supportive services,
the Domestic Abuse Response team and Sexual Assault Response Team, and
expanded services for our special needs and special populations communities.”
“The 2016 executive budget continues Dutchess County’s progress
Marc Molinaro and I made during his first term in office as we stabilized
county finances, increased the county’s credit rating, and worked to make
county government smaller, smarter, and more efficient,” said legislature
Chairman Robert Rolison.
