(BINGHAMTON, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced today that the Broome County Legislature has unanimously approved the 2020 Broome County budget. The 2020 county budget includes a tax cut, reducing the county property tax levy by 1%.
“I want to thank Chairman Reynolds, Majority Leader O’Brien, Minority Leader Kaminsky and members of the Legislature, Republicans and Democrats for coming together, regardless of party, and unanimously approving the 2020 budget,” said County Executive Garnar, “This is the power of partnerships, rolling up our sleeves and working together to build a better Broome County. I am glad to be providing Broome County residents with continued services and another tax cut in 2020.”
In September, the County Executive submitted a $401 million proposed budget. He delivered the budget address at GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier Chapter in Vestal. The Executive’s plan included a tax cut, reducing the county property tax levy by 0.51. This is the second year in a row County Executive Garnar has proposed a tax cut.
“I’m proud to be cutting taxes for the second straight year,” said Garnar. “We’re making sure to continue to provide important services to our Broome County residents as well as introducing exciting new projects to help better the lives of our taxpayers here in Broome.”
The 2020 budget maintains critical county services and programs, with the introduction of several infrastructure projects and increased investment to public safety. The County Executive said due to the work of his team in improving the financial condition of the county, the 2020 budget reduces short-term borrowing by 30%.
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.
The approved budget also includes investment in public safety with the additions of three new deputies for the Sheriff’s office and two new security positions for Broome Security dedicated to providing security at the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center (Intermodal) in the city of Binghamton. 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’s approved budget also again includes no change to the sales tax formula for 2020 for the municipalities. In 2020, he is again including $150,000 for his Small Communities Grant Fund to provide grant money to municipalities for economic development projects.
