Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced today that the Broome County Legislature has unanimously approved the 2019 Broome County budget. The 2019 county budget includes a tax cut, reducing the county property tax levy by 0.6%.
“I want to thank Chairman Reynolds, Majority Leader Flagg, Minority Leader Whalen and members of the Legislature, Republicans and Democrats coming together, regardless of party, and unanimously approving the 2019 budget,” said County Executive Garnar, “This is the power of partnerships, rolling up our sleeves and working together to build a better Broome County. I am glad to be providing Broome County residents with continued services and a tax cut in 2019.”
In September, the County Executive submitted a $385 million proposed budget. He delivered the budget address at the DICK’s Sporting Goods Distribution Center in Conklin. The Executive’s plan included a tax cut, reducing the county property tax levy by 0.495. The last time an Executive presented a proposed tax cut was in 2004 (dating back to the 2005 proposed budget)
The 2019 budget maintains critical county services and programs, with the introduction of several brand-new workforce development initiatives and increased investment to public safety.
New workforce development initiatives in 2019 include increased funding to the Chamber of Commerce for a Welcome Wagon program, a diversion program created by the District Attorney in partnership with the Office of Employment and Training and a “Clean Sweep” program with a Job Coach at the Department of Social Services, designed to get people who are capable of working, to work. The approved budget also includes investment in public safety with the addition of Corrections Officers at the Sheriff’s Office required by Centralized Arraignment.
