TROY – The Rensselaer County Legislature unanimously approved a $346.7 million budget for 2019 Monday night that maintains the current property tax rate even though spending increased 1.9 percent.

Growth in county sales tax revenues and economic expansion in communities in the southern part of the county were the key reasons for maintaining the tax rate at the 2018 level.

This is the first budget proposed by County Executive Steven McLaughlin.

“Our county is fortunate to have seen significant job creation and expansion of our retail and residential bases. This budget is a reflection of those positive developments, which is a benefit for our taxpayers and residents,” McLaughlin said in a statement.

The tax levy remains at $64.4 million for 2019, the same as in 2018. The average county tax rate will be $5.69 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The actual county tax rate in each town and city will differ according to how close to market rate values properties are assessed.

The county tax rates range from a low $5.91 per $1,000 in Troy to a high of $66.99 per $1,000 in Grafton.

The county has seen economic growth spurred by the expansion of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush and the proposal by Amazon to build a warehouse in Schodack.

“This is a strong budget, and one that will help encourage employers and investors to seriously consider our county as the place to be to start or expand a business or make a home here,” McLaughlin continued.

The county saw a 6 percent growth in sales tax revenues in 2018. The budget for 2019 estimates there will be a 5 percent growth in sales tax income.

Minority Leader Peter Grimm, D-Troy, and Deputy Minority Leader Cindy Doran, D-Troy, criticized the budget for including salary increases for McLaughlin’s staff.

County Legislature Chairman Michael Stammel, R-Rensselaer, noted their comments, but observed the budget was approved unanimously.

The Democratic minority – five of the 19 members of the County Legislature – offered several recommendations in their report on the 2019 budget.

“The county must continually focus on the development of a long-term comprehensive economic development plan, which will focus on the diversity of assets in agriculture, business, education, culture, history, technology, the arts and cultural resources,” Democrats said.



