Molinaro puts finishing touches on his budget message
before presenting it to legislators and citizens
POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro unveiled
his proposed 2018 budget of $480 million on Tuesday. It is the fourth
year with no real property tax levy increase. In fact, both the county
tax levy and tax rates are being lower.
The spending plan includes a projected increase of two percent the sales tax in the new year and 1.5 percent projected increase hotel room tax, including Airbnb.
“We have stabilized our fiscal condition, we are growing our economy through our Think Dutchess Alliance and our partnership with Dutchess Tourism and the arts,” the county exec said. “This budget will continue to expand our efforts to revitalize main streets and neighborhoods all across Dutchess County. We will continue our investment in tourism and our vibrant arts community. We will continue to support agriculture, and most importantly, what you heard today because of your work, seeks to serve every resident regardless of race, color, creed, age or income. We don’t ask those questions in Dutchess County.”
Molinaro continued his criticism of New York’s mandates that cost the county 70 percent of the county’s budget. He was critical of the $1.2 million that the county must pay to subsidize Fashion Institute of Technology, which the state considers a community college, despite Molinaro’s contention that it is not.
He also said the state must pay an additional $2 million to pay the mandated costs of early intervention for challenged children. Molinaro’s contention is that is education and just as Albany pays for all other children, it should pick up the cost for those who are challenged.
The 2018 budget includes $26 million for maintenance of roads and bridges.
Molinaro is including $1 million for the county’s farmland protection program.
The new year will mark the 100th anniversary of World War I. Molinaro declared 2018 The Year of the Veterans in Dutchess noting there will several activities to acknowledge their service and sacrifice.
With 4.75 million tourists coming to the county annually pumping $40 million in local tax revenue, the county executive will add $215,000 to the county’s contribution to the county’s tourism effort.
