SPENDING PLAN

2022 proposed budget: No increase in property tax levy

UTICA, N.Y. » Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente presented a 2022 proposed budget and capital plan to the Board of Legislators that carried with it no increase in the property tax levy for the ninth year in a row.

“One zero is hard enough, but nine straight, including two during a pandemic, is an accomplishment I am very proud of,” Picente said. “We have been able to do this by controlling discretionary spending, creating efficiencies, and through unique revenue sources like the Oneida Nation agreement.”

“The impacts of COVID-19 are still being felt, but we have successfully managed through economic trials and societal tribulations,” Picente added. “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.”

A press release reports that 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. The 6-year capital plan totals $29 million.

Picente said the increase in sales tax was a surprise this year and that budgeting it was a challenge for 2022, as the county is taking into account new trends and 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. The budget proposal also restores funding for libraries, humane societies, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Mohawk Valley EDGE.

The $22 million allotted to the county in federal funding from the American Rescue Act will be used for revenue replacement from the past 18 months and continued COVID-19 expenses. Additionally, the funds will be used to reduce the need for increased bonding on capital projects. Picente also said a countywide mental health assessment will be conducted to better understand the consequences of the pandemic, assess the system in place, identify gaps, and bolster services in the community.

The Board of Legislators will vote on the County Executive’s 2022 budget proposal at its meeting on Nov. 10, 2021. A budget review hearing will take place at 6 p.m. in the Board Chambers of the Oneida County Office Building on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

The full 2022 Budget Proposal Report is available online. Picente’s proposal address can be watched on the Oneida County Board of Legislators’ Facebook page.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente gives his 2022Budget Address on October 5, 2021.