Schenectady County Legislature adopts 2026 operating budget and 2026–2031 capital program; property tax levy held at 0%

The Schenectady County Legislature on Wednesday adopted the county2026 operating budget and the 20263031 capital improvement program after brief discussion at a special meeting in the legislature chambers at 620 State Street. Both resolutions were approved by roll call votes recorded as 14 ayes and one member excused.

Chair Gary Hughes, opening the meeting, thanked county staff and leadership involved in preparing the proposals and said the plan "continues to hold the line on taxes, while preserving the essential services we provide to our residents, including the county highway system, public safety, county library system, senior and long term care services." He noted that the average tax levy over the past 10 years "has remained flat."

The legislature adopted a set of majority caucus amendments to the operating budget before taking the final vote. Legislator Paterne, who presented the amendments and identified himself as the first-year chair of the Ways and Means Committee, said the changes included an increase in the salary for the executive assistant to the commissioner of human rights and added funding for maintenance of veterans monuments countywide. Paterne also summarized the broader budget, saying it holds the line on property taxes with "a 0% increase in the property tax levy, marking 10 consecutive years without an increase," and stated that "since 2017, Schenectady County taxpayers have saved over $89,000,000 compared to if we had to raise the levy each year to the maximum allowed under the state cap."

A legislator who spoke in support of the veterans-monuments funding said the allocation "shows that we care and that our veterans aren't forgotten." The amendments were adopted by roll call, after which the operating budget was adopted as amended.

The clerk read both resolution titles into the record: the resolution adopting the tentative operating budget as the official budget for 2026, and the resolution adopting the capital program for 2026 through 2031. The capital program resolution was approved on the same 14-aye, one-excused roll call.

Legislator Paterne and Chair Hughes acknowledged staff who assisted during the budget process; Hughes said he intends to hold quarterly leadership-level discussions to monitor the countybudget position as the year progresses. After the votes the body adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 1 55 25 — "Resolution adopting the tentative operating budget as the official budget for 2026." Outcome: adopted as amended. Vote: 14 ayes, 1 excused/absent. Key amendments: increase to the executive assistant salary in the Human Rights Commission; funding added for maintenance of veterans monuments (coordination with County Office of Veterans Services).

- Resolution 1 56 25 — "Resolution adopting the capital program as the official capital program for the years 2026 through 2031." Outcome: adopted. Vote: 14 ayes, 1 excused/absent.

Context and next steps

Legislators said the budget reflects an effort to preserve county services while maintaining a 0% property tax levy. Paterne described a review process that included presentations, committee meetings and public input following the county manager's tentative budget submission in September. Chair Hughes said he will seek quarterly updates on the countybudget status and communicate those findings back to the full legislature. No additional amendments or items were offered before the final votes and adjournment.