POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County budget for 2017, which includes
a property tax decrease of two-cents per $1,000 of valuation, will come
before a public hearing on Monday, December 5. The $467 million spending
plan will then be voted on by the full county legislature on December
8.
It is expected to pass as it was approved by an 11- to-one vote on Wednesday
by the Budget and Finance Committee.
Committee Chairwoman Angela Flesland said her colleagues and she scrutinized
the spending plan with a fine tooth comb. “With much needed tax
relief for property taxpayers, a continued commitment to strong and efficient
county services and smart investments in our local economy, this spending
plan will serve as an excellent blueprint for our future as a county.”
County Legislature Chairman Dale Borchert said the budget “will
reduce the tax burden, keep spending flat and will continue to uphold
vitally important services and increase our investments in industries
that bolster our local economy.”
The budget as it stands now includes $1.7 million in investments in economic
development and tourism promotion, an industry that generates close to
$500 million into the county economy.
