2023 budget invests in essential services including emergency management, social services, environmental health, mental health, transportation, and public safety
2023 budget reflects County’s strong financial position, including a historic 3% decrease in the tax levy and robust fiscal reserves
KINGSTON, N.Y. - Acting Ulster County Executive Johanna Contreras announced today that she has signed the 2023 budget. At approximately $381 million, the 2023 budget invests in essential services including emergency management, social services, environmental health, transportation, and public safety, and also includes funding to support the Crisis Stabilization Center, enhanced mental health services, expanded child care eligibility and a pilot program to provide home energy assistance. The adopted budget includes a historic 3% decrease in the tax levy. The budget highlights Ulster County’s record of sound financial management by balancing relief for our taxpayers, enhancing county services and strengthening our fiscal reserves for the future.
“Ulster County’s continued strong financial position allows us to make critical investments toward our community’s well-being, while providing the largest property tax decrease in 40 years,” Acting County Executive Contreras said. “The adopted budget will allow Ulster County to hire additional front-line staff to meet increasing demands on our emergency management, social services, environmental health, mental health, aging and public safety services. The Office of the Ulster County Executive looks forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to implement these shared priorities in 2023.”
"I am proud of our collaborative work to deliver a fiscally responsible budget that makes long-term investments in critical infrastructure and essential services while reducing taxes by three percent,” said Ulster County Legislature Chair Tracey Bartels (District 16 – Gardiner, Shawangunk). “In addition to fostering continued economic growth, the spending plan also provides expanded resources to promote safe, healthy communities and better serve our senior citizens."
“We in the Legislature examined the Executive’s proposal and modified it as needed to support vital initiatives and better serve Ulster County residents. Through this spending plan we will increase support for our neighbors without burdening the tax base,” said Legislator John Gavaris, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee (District 15 - Ellenville, Wawarsing).
“This budget represents months of hard work to diligently manage county finances during one of the most fiscally challenging times in recent history. I, and the Republican Caucus are especially proud of the increase in attention and support dedicated to Ulster County First Responders and Law Enforcement personnel to provide them with the resources necessary to respond to crises,” said Minority Leader Ken Ronk (District 13 – Shawangunk).
The 2023 Adopted Budget will be published at https://ulstercountyny.gov/budget.
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