County Executive Mike Hein Signs The 2017 Ulster County Budget

Posted December 14, 2016

 

The Budget Reduces The County Tax Levy To Its Lowest Level Since 2009 

Kingston, N.Y. – Surrounded by County Department of Public Works employees, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein signed the 2017 Ulster County Budget, a $325 million financial plan that protects County taxpayers, by lowering county property taxes for the third consecutive year and reduces the tax levy to its lowest level since 2009.   It provides for the continuation of high-quality services, promotes economic development, allows Ulster County to continue leading the way in environmental stewardship and further expands the historic infrastructure investment initiative known as ‘Building A Better Ulster County’ by committing an additional $15 million to improve the County’s roads and bridges in the upcoming year, bringing the total three year investment to an extraordinary $46 million.  The County Executive’s budget proposal was passed by the County Legislature on December 7, 2016, 99% as written.

The County Executive signed the 2017 County Budget at the Department of Public Works alongside the CSEA workforce and management team who have partnered to repair and upgrade the County’s infrastructure over the past two years as a means of highlighting and thanking them for their work.  “I am honored to work with these amazing public service employees who, project after project, continue to exceed expectations as we work towards an even brighter future for Ulster County together,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. 

“The 2017 Ulster County Budget is a testament to what is possible when budgets are developed as multi-year financial plans; by streamlining government, being fiscally responsible and reducing spending where possible, we have the opportunity to prioritize spending in areas of need, such as the county’s aging infrastructure,” said County Executive Hein. “I am proud that the 2017 Budget continues to protect Ulster County property taxpayers by reducing the county tax levy for the third consecutive year and brings it to its lowest level since 2009.  Through partnership with the County Legislature, we have ensured more high quality services for our seniors, Veterans, children and families than ever before.  It continues our investment in the future by making our roads and bridges safer, and funds innovative efforts to bring more high quality jobs to our community while protecting the pristine environment we all hold so dear.”

The approved 2017 Budget includes, as recommended by the County Executive, such major highlights as:

  • A third consecutive year of a reduction in the property tax levy;
  • A $5.4 million reduction in spending while protecting essential services;
  • Continuing the historic ‘Building A Better Ulster County’ infrastructure investment program with an additional $15 million in funding, for a three year total investment of $46 million;
  • An additional $7.2 million in relief for the county’s towns and City of Kingston through the County takeover of Safety Net and election (HAVA) costs; and
  • Continuing Ulster County’s role as a leader in environmental stewardship by meeting the County Legislature’s Green Fleet Goal a full three years ahead of schedule.

 

 Pictured above: County Executive Mike Hein signing the 2017 Ulster County Budget alongside members of the Ulster County Department of Public Works

 

 

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