Poughkeepsie … The Dutchess County Legislature approved the 2025 budget on Monday evening with a bipartisan vote of 23-2, adding several amendments to County Executive Sue Serino’s budget proposal. County Legislators on both sides of the aisle praised the collaborative budget process. The $629.4 million spending plan builds a safer, stronger and brighter future for County residents maintaining and expanding the County's high-quality services and programs benefiting children, families, veterans, and seniors, while staying well below the New York State property tax cap.
Homeowners and businesses will see the County property tax rate decrease by 2.7 percent with the 2025 County Budget, dropping from $2.23 in 2024 to $2.17 in 2025, which is the 10th consecutive year of property tax rate cuts.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “The 2025 County Budget is a careful, responsible plan that makes important investments in our community and provides essential services, while limiting the impact to taxpayers. Over the past year, I have been in every area of the county and I am proud that this budget addresses our neighbors’ concerns, and funds critical initiatives including addressing the EMS crisis, affordable housing, and mental health services. I am grateful for the collaboration of the Dutchess County Legislature and thank them for their partnership in delivering a thoughtful 2025 budget that our residents can be proud of.”
County Executive Serino’s 2025 County Budget improves and expands services that residents depend on, and introduces several new initiatives focused on public safety, youth services and support for seniors, veterans, families and more. Initiatives include expanded support for the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, a new round of applications for affordable housing through the Housing Trust fund, a historic $2 million investment in Emergency Medical Services; new and expanded programs for older adults including transportation support and social interactions as well as new investment in youth services including YOU Drop-In Center grants and mini-grants to expand services available to youth through Dutchess County.
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt said, “The 2025 County Budget was a true collaborative process. County Executive Sue Serino provided a solid, realistic plan that addresses the needs of our residents, while accounting for real-world factors affecting expenditures. With some carefully considered legislative amendments, we have an adopted budget that expands services for those who need them most, while providing a 10th straight property tax rate reduction. I extend my gratitude to the entire Legislature for their diligence in the review process and to County Executive Serino and her administration for their continued collaboration.”
County legislators made several legislative amendments to the 2025 County Budget, all of which were approved unanimously, adding additional funding for existing and new initiatives including:
Several of these amendments were funded through the Community Benefit Fund, which was established by County Executive Serino as a set-aside of fund balance for one-time projects that have substantial community benefit and lasting positive impact. The remaining amendments were funded through the property tax levy.
The adoption of the 2025 County Budget followed several town hall forums, including a countywide telephone town hall, hosted by County Executive Serino, where residents had the opportunity to speak with the County Executive to learn about the details of the budget, ask questions and share their feedback.
The budget, with amendments, will now be forwarded to County Executive Serino for her review and signature. The final step in the 2025 Dutchess County Budget process is the Dutchess County Legislature’s Wednesday, December 18th Board meeting for override consideration of any amendment vetoes by the County Executive (should any be made) and the adoption of the tax levy.
For more information on the 2025 Dutchess County Budget, visit dutchessny.gov/budget2025.
County Executive Serino concluded, “I thank the Legislature for their support of this year’s budget and for the dialogue we have all engaged in over the past few weeks to develop a budget that both delivers on and expands on the services and resources that so many of our neighbors rely on, while upholding fiscal responsibility. This budget proves what we can accomplish when we work together, and that you truly can get things done when you act with kindness and respect. I look forward to working together to continue building a safer, stronger, and brighter future for Dutchess County.”
