Schenectady County’s property tax levy will rise 2% under a $501,816,757 operating budget for 2027 that the County Legislature unanimously approved, according to a county announcement issued Oct. 13.
Lawmakers also unanimously approved the capital improvement program covering 2027 through 2032. The county said the operating budget preserves services while accounting for higher costs and uncertainty about federal funding.
Legislature Chair Gary Hughes cited approximately $119 million in county costs for Medicaid and other programs mandated by state and federal governments, compared with $72.5 million raised through property taxes. The levy increase follows several years in which the county held it flat.
For families seeking help with child-care expenses, the budget includes an additional $4.3 million in state Child Care Block Grant funding. The county said that money will expand access to subsidies.
Education funding includes operating support and improvements to facilities and equipment at SUNY Schenectady. The county’s Higher Education Promise program helps eligible county residents pay tuition for up to six credit hours at the college when financial aid does not cover those costs. Youth employment programs and Glendale Home’s in-house Certified Nursing Assistant training also receive support.
The spending plan continues funding for road upkeep and transportation infrastructure, along with veterans services. The Veterans Service Agency assists with benefits, housing resources and connections to transportation for medical appointments, including following the recent closure of the VA clinic in Rotterdam.
Public safety allocations support the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, county Hazmat Team and grants for volunteer fire departments. Funding also continues for the Unified Communications Center’s 911 operations and the countywide emergency radio system.
Other funded resources include Glendale Home, the Ray Wemple Memorial Rink and the Schenectady County Public Library, which receives increased support. The budget also backs local agriculture, county events, bike trails and preserves. Arts and cultural grants use hotel and motel occupancy tax revenue to support local organizations, events and programs.