Kingston Common Council approves hold-the-line 2019 budget

KINGSTON – In a unanimous vote, the Kingston Common Council Tuesday night adopted Mayor Steven Noble’s proposed budget for 2019.
The tax levy remains at the 2016 level with no increase. Tax rates will continue to go down for the third consecutive year. Homestead taxes will drop from $9.94 to $9.74 and non-homestead taxes will decline from $17.39 to $15.59.
Over $772,281 has been placed in contingency in preparation for potential union contract settlements and non-recurring expenses.
The new spending plan includes some $1 million for street paving; full funding of the Kingston Land Bank in 2019 with a two-year combined investment of over $3 million into quality, affordable housing; and $100,000 in capital improvements to city parks.
Also in the budget are funds to purchase supplemental turn-out gear for every firefighter in the department.
The budget includes two minor modifications including a shift of funding from the mayor’s office to contingency, based on the mayor’s recommendation, and an internal transfer in the Kingston Police Department budget for training to overtime allotment.

Hank Gross

Hank Gross is the founder of Mid-Hudson News and a veteran journalist with over five decades of experience covering the Hudson Valley. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, where he began his career in broadcasting, Hank has worked across radio, TV, and print media since 1970. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an Associated Press “Best Newscast” award and recognition as a “Pillar of the Community” by the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. He lives in Middletown with his wife, Virginia.