UTICA, N.Y. — The Oneida County Board of Legislators is considering a 2022 budget and capital plan that has no increase in the property-tax levy for the ninth consecutive year. “One zero is hard enough, but nine straight, including two during a pandemic, is an accomplishment I am very proud of,” Oneida County Executive Anthony […]
UTICA, N.Y. — The Oneida County Board of Legislators is considering a 2022 budget and capital plan that has no increase in the property-tax levy for the ninth consecutive year.
“One zero is hard enough, but nine straight, including two during a pandemic, is an accomplishment I am very proud of,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. said. “We have been able to do this by controlling discretionary spending, creating efficiencies and through unique revenue sources like the Oneida Nation agreement.”
Picente delivered his budget message on Oct. 5.
The $457 million proposal is a balanced budget that appropriates $114 million in sales-tax revenue, $20.85 million in Oneida Nation revenue, and retires $19 million in debt, per Picente’s office. The six-year capital plan totals $29 million.
“The impacts of COVID-19 are still being felt, but we have successfully managed through economic trials and societal tribulations,” Picente contended “We know this county is on the right path forward. The proof is all around. This budget continues us down that path. It does it by being smart, efficient and fiscally conservative.”
Picente said the increase in sales-tax was a surprise this year and that budgeting for it was a “challenge” for 2022, as the county is considering new trends and a loss of revenue in 2020. He said the county benefited from the inclusion of revenue from internet sales and adjusted an increase from the 2019 budget through the 2022 budget, his office noted.
The budget proposal also restores funding for libraries, humane societies, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Mohawk Valley EDGE.
Oneida County plans to use the $22 million allotted to the county in federal funding from the American Rescue Act for revenue replacement from the past 18 months, continued COVID-19 expenses, and to reduce the need for increased bonding on capital projects.
Picente also said officials will conduct a countywide mental-health assessment to better understand the consequences of the pandemic, assess the system in place, identify gaps, and “bolster services in the community.”
The Oneida County Board of Legislators will vote on the county executive’s 2022 budget proposal at its meeting on Nov. 10, Picente’s office said.