Ulster County Executive Mike Hein Signs 2015 County Budget

Posted November 20, 2014

Progressive Budget Protects Property Taxpayers By Reducing Taxes Now And Into The Future

Kingston, N.Y. – Today, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein signed the 2015 Ulster County Budget, a $334.5 million spending plan that puts the needs of our citizens and all county property taxpayers first, and places Ulster County on a solid fiscal foundation.  The County Executive’s budget proposal was unanimously passed by the County Legislature on November 18, 2014 with only minor changes.

“I want to thank and commend the entire County Legislature for unanimously adopting the 2015 Budget virtually intact, and I want to acknowledge the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Richard Gerentine, all of his committee members for their diligence and hard work as well as the Legislative leadership on both sides of the aisle,” said County Executive Hein.  “This budget continues my Administration’s tradition of both fiscal and social responsibility and embraces our overarching commitment to protect our property taxpayers.  We have been able to lower property taxes at a time when people need it most, to help homeowners make ends meet for their families.  This reduction, in conjunction with a reduction last year as well, helps grow our local economy by bringing relief to our small business owners while still ensuring more services than ever before for our residents.”

As a result of the 2015 Ulster County Budget:

  • Property taxpayers save more – a 1% county property tax levy reduction in 2015 and a roadmap for another reduction in 2016;
  • Government spends less – a $1.67 million reduction in spending;
  • Taxpayers are shielded from unforeseen expenses – responsible multi-year planning has allowed for the creation of a Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund;
  • A high school student’s dream of attending college is made an attainable goal – an additional $120,000 to SUNY Ulster virtually guaranteeing no tuition increase again next year;
  • Motorists and pedestrians enjoy Ulster County’s beautiful landscape while travelling on upgraded roads and bridges – an unprecedented $10 million investment in the County’s infrastructure through the “Building A Better Ulster County” infrastructure investment program;
  • Victims of domestic violence will have additional assistance – more staffing at the Crime Victim Assistance Program;
  • Ulster County Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice will be properly recognized – a county-wide monument to honor Ulster County’s fallen soldiers;
  • Ulster County’s hardworking employees and their families with a level of security for the foreseeable future – multi-year labor contracts approved;
  • Victims of homelessness will be able to avoid the bitter cold and enjoy a hot meal – funding for a county-wide warming center.

“To many, a budget is simply about numbers,” concluded County Executive Hein, “but to me it is about people; and I am proud to say the 2015 Ulster County Budget protects and delivers for all of the 183,000 great people of Ulster County.”

 

 

 

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