(TOWN OF VESTAL, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar presented his 2020 Executive Budget proposal this evening to members of the Broome County Legislature, county officials, and residents at GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier Chapter in Vestal.
The County Executive detailed a $401 million recommended county budget. His plan includes a tax cut, reducing the county property tax levy by 0.51. This is the second year in a row the Executive has recommended a tax cut in his budget plan. County Executive Garnar proposed a tax cut in the 2019 budget (-0.49), the first Executive to recommend a tax cut since 2004.
The County Executive also addressed his commitment to continuing to work with municipalities in Broome County. He is once again proposing no change to the sales tax formula for 2020.
“My 2020 Executive Budget shows my continued commitment to our Broome County finances,” said County Executive Garnar. “We are working to provide tax relief to the residents of Broome County while remaining realistic about our finances. We are continuing to build a healthy fund balance, now at $6.5 million, have an A+ bond rating and are no longer on the fiscal stress list. This is what can happen when you roll up your sleeves, get to work and budget realistically and conservatively.”
The 2020 proposed budget maintains critical county services and programs that residents depend on and deserve. Within his 2020 plan, County Executive Garnar is making major investments in infrastructure and public safety.
Within the capital improvement plan, Broome County plans to invest in the complete renovation of two of the oldest buildings at SUNY Broome Community College and make a big investment in the expansion of the nursing program to address a critical nursing shortage in the community.
Garnar’s budget also includes an increased investment in public safety with the addition of three new deputies for the Sheriff’s Office and two new security positions for Broome Security. The budget also includes a new county-wide communications network serving the fire, police, and emergency service agencies which will help save many lives.
The County Executive also highlighted the new Workforce Development facility at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City to help get the 3,000 open jobs in our community filled as well as the opening of the new Veterans Resource Center at the former Vestal Hills Country Club in the Town of Binghamton.
“I thank the members of the County Legislature and my colleagues in county and local government for their shared commitment to serving our Broome County residents,” said Garnar. “I look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming weeks as we move toward adopting this budget for 2020.”
