Broome County residents will see their taxes go down for a fifth-straight year in 2023 following the passage Thursday evening of the 2023 County Budget. In addition to the property tax cut, next year’s budget upgrades to numerous County positions, includes the largest parks improvement plan in County history, and recommits to repairing critical infrastructure throughout Broome County.
“For the fifth year in a row, we’ve enacted a responsible County Budget on behalf of the people of Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This budget once again saves taxpayers money while making Broome County an even better place to live, work, and visit. Thank you to our Budget Director, Department Heads, and my partners on the County Legislature for working with me to cut taxes and make new investments for our future.”
The final budget reduces the property tax levy by 0.1% - the fifth consecutive tax cut for Broome County residents. More than 130 County positions will be upgraded in the 2023, representing an additional $688 thousand investment in the men and women who comprise the Broome County workforce. These upgrades build on a commitment to ensure County employees are compensated fairly; more than 700 positions have been upgraded since 2017 – more than 200 of those just this summer for positions at Willow Point, Emergency Dispatch, and Social Services that could not wait until January when the new budget year begins. Work will continue to build on this progress in upcoming budget years.
As part of the biggest Parks proposal in the history, the budget funds major improvements at Grippen Park; new turf fields and lighting at BAGSAI softball complex; along with new pavilions, grills, trails, restrooms, and other amenities for visitors throughout the Parks system.
The County’s successful Small Community Fund program is funded at $1 million to assist more non-profit agencies and municipalities make needed upgrades they may otherwise not be able to afford. Since 2018, this fund has awarded more than $1.5 million for nearly 60 projects across Broome County; the program did not award any funds during 2020 because of the COVID pandemic.
Other highlights from the 2023 budget include a continued prioritization of economic development, new housing projects throughout the County, building on two-straight years of a record number of roads and bridges being fixed, enhancing services for our veterans, and strengthening substance use disorder and mental health programs.
