Saratoga Springs schedules hearing on repeal of March tax prepayment discount; staff cites up to $370,000 in budget effect
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Summary
The city will hold a public hearing on proposed Local Law No. 9 of 2025 to repeal a charter provision that offers a 2.25% discount for March tax prepayment. Staff said eliminating the discount was discussed as a potential budget solution and could raise as much as $370,000 for the 2026 budget process. No council vote was recorded at this meeting.
Saratoga Springs City Council announced a public hearing on Local Law No. 9 of 2025, which would repeal section 4.1.4 of the city charter that provides a discount for taxpayers who prepay their March tax bill. City staff said the change was discussed during recent budget workshops and with the Charter Review Commission as a potential way to increase general revenue for the 2026 budget.
City staff told the council the repeal could produce “up to $370,000” for the municipal budget and said the item was held over from the previous meeting to permit public comment. The council scheduled the hearing for the upcoming Wednesday meeting; no final vote on the law occurred during the Oct. 31 session.
Finance staff also outlined several connected budget actions to be considered during the budget cycle, including transfers, amendments and resolutions to replenish contingency and reserves for snow and ice removal and employee-benefit liabilities. Those items will be taken up during the formal budget and finance hearings, according to the finance presentation at the meeting.
The city did not take a final action on the local law at this session. The city’s agenda materials indicate the public hearing and any related vote will occur at the next scheduled meeting where the council can record a formal vote.