Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced his 2023 Executive Budget, which will be released on November 1st, will include continued property tax relief, with a 12 percent property tax rate cut and the lowest County property tax levy in 14 years, providing assistance to residents and businesses facing the challenges of inflation and increases to the cost of living.
The budget proposal provides for the 9th consecutive property tax levy cut and the 8th consecutive property tax rate cut—the lowest rate since 2008. Additionally, the County will maintain the elimination of sales tax on clothing and footwear items less than $110 per item, continuing the Molinaro administration’s commitment to tax relief for families.
“As families struggle with historic inflation, many are forced to make tough decisions as costs for food, utilities, housing, and gasoline climb exponentially. Our consistent, conservative budgeting, and smart fiscal stewardship over the past decade have enabled us to consistently deliver tax cuts and savings to residents and businesses,” said County Executive Molinaro. “In 2023, Dutchess County Government is committed to doing what we can to offer continued relief and support by keeping residents’ hard-earned dollars in their pockets, while still investing in the vital programming so many rely on.”
As inflation continues to impact the national economy with increased costs in many critical areas including food, which has increased more than 11 percent and energy, which has increased 20 percent in the last year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, County Executive Molinaro’s 2023 Executive Budget will continue its conservative spending and hiring practices, while enhancing vital programs and services to support vulnerable residents, including veterans, seniors and those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.
County Legislator Michael Polasek, Chairman of the Legislature’s Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee who represents the Town of Lagrange, said, “Our residents entrust their hard-earned dollars to Dutchess County Government to provide important services and programs that protect the vulnerable and support those in need. As costs continue to rise, businesses and homeowners face exceptional challenges to make ends meet and I am grateful to County Executive Molinaro and his administration for their responsible fiscal stewardship and commitment to offering more relief to our taxpayers.”
Despite inflation and lingering supply chain issues making doing business even more challenging, the local economy remains resilient with significant investment in industries such as logistics and manufacturing, and the commercial vacancy rate in the county continues to be the lowest in the region.
Dutchess County taxes 25 percent less, borrows 33 percent less and spends 21 percent less per capita than the average of other counties throughout New York State. This diligent focus on responsible fiscal management has enabled the County to expand and enhance services for residents, while still delivering property tax relief to homeowners and businesses.
Kimberley Williams, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations at Williams Lumber & Home Centers, said, “The cost of running a business today continues to soar and the challenges have only been compounded by the ongoing supply chain disruptions of extended delivery delays, products no longer in production, companies out of business, and the endless array of excuses of why we cannot get products. Fortunately, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro’s administration’s ongoing tax relief and support of small businesses over the last several years has helped businesses like Williams Lumber & Home Centers continue to thrive in Dutchess County.”
County Executive Molinaro will present his 2023 Executive Budget Address on Tuesday, November 1st at 11 a.m. in the Dutchess County Legislature Chambers located in the County Office Building at 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie. The presentation will be livestreamed and can be viewed online at dutchessny.gov/2023budget. County Executive Molinaro will also host a series of town hall forums for residents to learn more about budget plans and share questions and feedback: