CARMEL, N.Y.—Earlier this week, County Executive Kevin Byrne and the Putnam County Legislature finalized the vast majority of the 2025 County Budget, officially slashing the tax rate, enhancing services, solidifying a six-year Capital Projects Plan, all while significantly limiting new borrowing and continuing its commitment to responsible fiscal management.
The county’s final 2025 budget reduces the property tax rate to $2.7 per $1,000 of assessed property value, the lowest rate in 18 years. It represents a 5% reduction from the previous year’s rate of $2.85 per $1000. This budget also continues the previous year’s enacted sales tax cut on clothing and footwear under $110, which is set to expire in March 2026. The impact thus far has been minimal to county sales tax revenue and will be re-evaluated in the coming year for possible renewal.
“Since, the very start, this administration has been laser focused on delivering a more affordable, accountable, and accessible county government that serves us all. This budget continues that commitment," said Byrne. “While costs remain high for our residents, it is incumbent upon us to provide relief where we can. I’m proud of the budget we’ve created and am confident it provides county government the resources it needs to deliver the top-notch services our residents have come to rely on.”
The adopted budget continues a substantial investment in infrastructure through the county’s six-year capital plan with an emphasis on making county facilities more accessible to the public, regardless of physical ability. This is part of the county’s commitment to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY,” a movement to change the way government, businesses, and our community think about and treat those individuals with disabilities.
This was achieved with limited borrowing and preserving the County’s AA1 bond rating; the second-highest possible bond rating by Moody’s and the highest rating of any county in New York. Due to high interest rates, the county is also exercising sound fiscal planning by utilizing funds from its assigned funds such as the capital reserve fund to support capital projects instead of bonding and paying more in the long run.
The budget also features a number of new increases in spending added by the legislature which include adjustments to compensation for certain public employees and the addition of a new criminal investigator in the Sheriff’s Office, none of which were vetoed by the County Executive. The County Executive’s sole veto was for a measure that would cut a proposed moderate salary increase for a part-time position in the Law Department.
“A majority of the Legislature elected to increase compensation for a number of our incredibly talented county employees who care for our most vulnerable, and I am proud to have supported many of these adjustments," Byrne said. "However, the Legislature also chose to single out one individual to cut their modest pay increase and failed to provide an appropriate justification. Therefore, that particular proposed change to the budget was vetoed. This part-time law department employee has done incredible work for the county, saving taxpayers incredible amounts of money and deserves this modest adjustment in pay.
“Ultimately, the legislature and the administration agreed on the vast majority of the budget which clearly delivers for the people of Putnam County,” Byrne added. "Unfortunately, the legislature’s leadership made minimal effort to engage when it came to compromising on certain issues. As county executive, I will not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. In the end, the 2025 Putnam County Budget is still a big win. It slashes the tax rate and continues all our prior tax cuts while creating new opportunities for Putnam County. This budget allows us to meet all our obligations and continues to position Putnam County for an even brighter, stronger future.”
To view the legislature’s amendments and the County Executive’s approval and veto messages, visit putnamcountyny.gov/county-executive.
Article courtesy of the Putnam County Executive's Office
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