Kennedy: “… cannot tax our
homeowners anymore.”
NEWBURGH – The 2017 proposed Newburgh city budget comes in at $44.4 million, up from $43.5 million this year, but maintains the same tax levy of $19.4 million.
The spending plan would reduce the residential property tax, while increasing the commercial property tax. It includes a 10 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums and more money for street repaving, but includes nothing for capital repairs to the dilapidated public safety building or bulk pickup of trash.
Mayor Judy Kennedy said the city is between a rock and a hard place.
“We would love to grant some of these things that people want so that we can move the city forward faster and as Councilman [Torrance] Harvey said, we cannot tax our homeowners anymore,” Kennedy said. “They are carrying a burden that is very high.”
City Comptroller Katie Mack was able to eliminate a $300,000 gap.
Council members will review the budget, make any changes they deem appropriate, and approve it at the end of next month.
