POUGHKEEPSIE – The 2021 Dutchess County budget that County Executive Marcus Molinaro will unveil at the end of the month will include no property tax increase, a reduction in spending, and a smaller workforce with no layoffs.
Molinaro acknowledged the coronavirus has taken a dramatic toll on the county’s financial abilities, but it has a solid foundation as a result of conservative policy.
The county’s $56.9 million fund balance has been tapped to keep the county on an even keel.
“Our reserve has been crucial in covering the rising pandemic and emergency response costs and it is a critical part of the 2021 budget,” he said.
Molinaro blamed reduced state aid and a lack of federal aid as the causes for the financial troubles that all counties are facing.
