Includes sixth-straight tax cut, new investments in workforce, major capital projects
Taxpayers will pay less on their property tax rate once again in 2024 under the proposed budget delivered by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar Wednesday evening. The average County taxpayer will see a 4% reduction in their rate next year, the sixth-straight year Garnar has proposed a tax cut. The $447 million budget also includes new investments in public safety and the County’s workforce, major capital projects that will break ground or be completed in 2024, a sixth round of the successful Small Community Fund, new housing developments, and an increase for the County’s dedicated Veterans Fund.
“While the cost of living has gone up, we are once again making sure taxes are going down,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Residents may have to pay more for things like gasoline and groceries, they’ll be paying less on County property taxes. Working with our Budget Team, Department Heads, and our partners on the Legislature, we have an opportunity to once again making living a little more affordable while still making important investments for future generations.”
This was one of the most challenging budgets in years, the County Executive added during his address, with more than $5 million in new, unfunded mandates from the State. However, due to year after year of responsible budgeting, strong sales tax revenues, and a healthy fund balance that has grown to more than $50 million, the County was able to weather the storm.
Garnar delivered his address Wednesday outside the brand-new Dick’s House of Sport at the reimagined Oakdale Commons. This location, he said, was an example of how a small investment from the County can turn into something that will have a lasting impact on the community for years to come.
The 2024 Budget will have similar effects for Broome County with targeted investments. These include $3.4 million more for County employees, completion of the largest parks improvement program in County history, renovation of the Greater Binghamton Airport, and breaking ground on the County’s new Veterans Resource Center.
New public safety funding includes a Strategic Response Group for the Broome County Sheriff's Office that will assist in targeted areas where quality of life issues persist, as well as new positions for Broome Security and the Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, new housing developments and the County's grant program through the opioid settlement fund will offer longterm supports for neighborhoods.
The 2024 proposed budget also builds on record-breaking road improvement projects, includes a sixth round of the successful Small Community Fund, and a 20% increase to the County’s dedicated Veterans Fund.
