Clinton County Legislature adopts 2019 budget, sets tax rate at $5.95 per $1,000

The Clinton County Legislature voted unanimously on Dec. 12 to adopt its 2019 budget, approving a $29,260,003 tax levy that translates to a $5.95 tax rate per $1,000 assessed value.

Legislator Christopher Rosenquest, speaking for the Finance Committee, described updated New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) rates that came in $369,000 lower than projected and said the Budget Officer recommended applying the savings to reduce the General Fund balance draw ($200,000), reduce Airport Retained Earnings contribution ($100,000) and reduce the tax levy ($69,000). The motion to adopt Resolution #979 passed 10-0-0 after a second from Legislator Mark Dame.

The passage followed committee review of sales and occupancy tax revenue and school tax installments, led by Deputy Treasurer Greg Bell and the Budget Officer, Michael Zurlo. Zurlo was singled out by Legislator Dame and Chairperson Harry McManus for work on the budget; McManus noted the county's tax rate is lower than it was 10 years ago and credited county management and department heads for that outcome.

The adopted levy and rate are the formal budget outcome recorded in the minutes. Several other budget-related resolutions and committee recommendations also were approved as listed on the agenda.

What happens next: the Legislature completed its adoption vote and moved through remaining agenda items; the minutes record no further procedural steps tied specifically to implementation dates or additional required approvals for the county's operating budget.