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Riley supports pied-à-terre revenue and a Bronx push to add a fifth firefighter on engines
Summary
In the interview Kevin Riley discussed the city’s roughly $124.7 billion executive budget, voiced support for a pied-à-terre tax as a non-primary-resident revenue source, and described a Bronx delegation request of about $91.7–$92 million to add a fifth firefighter to additional engines.
Kevin Riley discussed budget priorities on Bronx Talk, saying the mayor’s executive budget (about $124.7 billion) is under council negotiation and that the city should seek revenue sources that avoid raising primary-property taxes for homeowners.
Host Sam noted an estimate that a proposed pied-à-terre tax could generate roughly $500 million; Riley said every dollar helps and that such options are preferable to raising taxes on primary residents. The $500 million figure was cited by the host as an evaluation; Riley framed it as one possible revenue source and did not confirm an exact projected yield.
Riley also described a Bronx delegation priority to add a fifth firefighter to engine companies in high-need areas. He said the delegation is asking the administration for roughly $91.7–$92 million to staff up to 86 engines; Riley said about 20 engines currently have a fifth firefighter. He argued a fifth firefighter helps with searches and perimeter checks at fire scenes and can reduce response time.
All budget figures discussed in the interview were presented as estimates or negotiation positions; Riley did not report a completed appropriation or a signed contract. The conversation described policy priorities under negotiation rather than final council actions.
