Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell presented a $167.1 million proposed 2022 county budget to the Legislature Wednesday night at the Historic Putnam County Courthouse in Carmel.
The budget, which is within the New York State property tax cap, includes an increase of $3.8 million or 2.3% over the 2021 budget and reflects the conservative spending that has been the hallmark of Odell’s tenure.
“This budget proposal respects the taxpayer, meets the needs of our employees and retirees and includes a 4% increase to the outside agencies such as libraries, museums, the arts and Cooperative Extension that enhance the quality of life in Putnam County,” Odell said. “Last year, during the height of the covid crisis, these agencies received no increase in funding and yet still worked hard to provide the services that our residents expect and deserve. We thank them for their service.”
If the proposed budget is approved by the Legislature, the average county homeowner whose property is assessed at $351,000 will pay $1,175 in county property taxes, an increase of $26.
The 2022 budget proposal anticipates $65 million in sales tax revenue, a conservative estimate that takes into account the uncertainties of a national economy hit by supply chain challenges and inflation.
The Legislature is expected to vote on a final 2022 budget by November.
“Providing budgets that are on time and in compliance with the state tax cap, combined with careful spending, has put the taxpayer first and kept Putnam County fiscally strong for the decade of my tenure,” Odell said. “We plan to do this again next year.”