Cohoes mayor expects another budget with no tax hike
COHOES, N.Y. >> Mayor Shawn Morse said he recently submitted his third annual budget to the City of Cohoes Board of Managers by the deadline as outlined in the City Charter.
According to a news a release, Morse calls for a zero percent tax increase in both property tax and the water and sewer fees as well as coming in under the 2 percent property tax cap.
Morse said there will be no layoffs or reductions in services, using $25,000 less in the city fund balance than anticipated, reducing the city’s dependence on its safety reserves. Officials said spending in 2019 is projected to be flat.
“Understanding all too well, communities across the country are facing difficult times. With growing debt and dwindling revenues, many are on the verge of collapse,” said Morse in the release. “Sadly, we have seen communities cutting vital services, laying off employees, and raising property taxes to unexceptional levels. With that said, it is with great excitement that I present board members and members of the community with this budget that reflects none of these burdens.”
The release said despite out of control health cost, union raises, and a slight increase in the tax levy, Morse said, “Cohoes is on solid ground, and we all should be Cohoes Proud. Our recent fiscal stress report from the State Comptroller’s Office have rated us at a fiscal stress level of 5 which is a decrease in over 15 points the previous two years which places us in the lowest category of No Designation. This rating from the State Comptroller is a testament to our hard work and commitment to the citizens of Cohoes.”