Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has approved the county's 2027 budget, which includes a $6.5 million reduction in the property tax levy, while vetoing several amendments made by the County Legislature that he said could jeopardize the county's long-term financial stability.
Byrne signed the budget Monday, Nov. 9, approving many of the Legislature's modifications but rejecting others involving spending increases, personnel changes and administrative responsibilities.
The $6.5 million levy reduction is the largest in county history, according to Byrne's office.
"Putnam County taxpayers deserve meaningful relief, and this budget already delivers the largest property tax cut in our county's history, by far," Byrne said. "Our responsibility also extends to the families who will be paying these bills next year and the year after that."
Byrne said some legislative amendments would have increased recurring expenses while further reducing annual revenue, potentially creating future budget deficits and putting pressure on the county's bond rating.
He also cautioned against relying too heavily on reserves to fund ongoing operations, arguing that doing so could threaten other tax relief initiatives, including sales tax sharing with towns and villages and efforts to make the county's clothing and footwear sales tax exemption permanent.
"Spending down savings in a rush to cover recurring expenses creates long-term financial obligations that taxpayers will ultimately be left to address," Byrne said.
According to the county's 2025 audit, Putnam has approximately $62 million in unassigned fund balance, money that can be used to address unexpected expenses and other needs. Additional county reserves are assigned, committed, or restricted for specific purposes.
Byrne emphasized the importance of maintaining those reserves as the county seeks to improve its Moody's bond rating from Aa1 to Aaa, the agency's highest rating. A higher rating could reduce borrowing costs on future capital projects.
In explaining his vetoes, Byrne cited financial difficulties in neighboring counties, including Dutchess County, which began its 2027 budget process facing a projected $90 million gap between expenses and revenues.
Some of Byrne's vetoes involved legislative amendments that he said exceeded the Legislature's authority under the County Charter, including proposals to reorganize executive departments or direct administrative functions through the budget process.
Other vetoes rejected personnel increases that Byrne said lacked sufficient justification, duplicative funding and reductions that he argued could leave the county short of money for employee health benefits.
The county executive did approve several legislative changes, including additional funding for the Prevention Council and adjustments to departmental budgets that were supported during committee deliberations.
Byrne thanked county employees, department heads and legislators for their work on the spending plan, saying the final budget balances property tax relief with the need to maintain essential services.
"I appreciate the work of our Finance team, department heads, county employees and legislators who offered thoughtful improvements," he said.
The approved budget follows Byrne's original 2027 spending package of approximately $229.7 million, which also called for the $6.5 million property tax levy reduction.
Article provided by the County Executive's Office
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