Following a public hearing in which no residents spoke, the Yates County Legislature approved the 2025 budget unanimously. The $58.1 million spending plan carries a proposed tax levy of $16.1 million, which is a slight decrease from this year’s levy.
Under the approved budget, the tax rate per thousand dollars of assessed value will drop for the seventh straight year. The budget includes a $3 million reduction in revenues compared to 2024, while expenses decrease slightly due to not budgeting a transfer to a reserve in 2025 which has been done since paying off debt in 2020.
In her presentation to the County Legislature, Budget Officer and County Administrator Jessica Mullins said overall, operational and maintenance expenses, state mandates, and employee expenses will continue to rise for the county in 2025.
Regarding the passed budget, Legislature Chairwoman Leslie Church said it shows expenditures based on policy and meets the goals set by the legislature to remain under the tax cap, addressing our capital improvement projects, maintaining services at a reasonable level, support for community agencies, recreational and cultural resources, and sharing of sales tax revenue with the Towns and Villages.
“Overall, the budget reflects what the legislature believes is important to the needs of county citizens as well as their quality of life. I’d like to thank the legislature, other elected officials, Department Heads, community agencies, and especially our Budget Officer, Jessica Mullins, for their efforts in preparing the document we have here this evening. It truly has been a team effort.”
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