Byrne hosts first town hall on a proposed Putnam budget

For the first time in Putnam County history according to County Executive Kevin Byrne, a town hall meeting was held to give residents the opportunity to learn about a newly proposed county budget and also give them the opportunity to question county officials about it.

The Oct. 11 event was held at the Carmel Town Hall where Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari introduced Byrne. There were about 25 people in the audience with others watching a live stream on the internet. A video recording was subsequently posted by the county and made available for viewing on-demand.

“Transparency in government is critical, and I’m committed to making our county’s budget process as open and accessible as possible,” Byrne said. “It’s another step in fulfilling my commitment to provide greater accountability to the people of Putnam.”

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 totals $205,106,180, 5% more than in 2024. The property tax rate would be cut to 2.7% from 2024’s 2.85%, which is the lowest rate in 18 years. The property tax is expected to bring in $46 million. County sales tax at 4% is expected to raise approximately $79 million. Clothing and footwear priced lower than $110 would be exempt from the sales tax. The budget calls for using $14 million from the county’s reserve fund.

The proposed budget was sent to the County Legislature for its review, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month. The Legislature is controlled by Republicans and Byrne also is a Republican.

Byrne complained that the county continues to be burdened by unfunded state mandates. He says that they reduce the county’s ability to keep local dollars for local needs, deliver services, hire employees, grow the economy, and offer a reason for people to stay in Putnam County.

Overall, the proposed budget projects revenues of $185.92 million in Fiscal Year 2025, which represents a 5.2% revenue increase over the prior year.

The Road Fund in the budget calls for $6.03 million in revenue, which represents a 1.3% increase over the prior year. Budgeted expenditures are projected to increase by 1.3% to $6.03 million. The county’s Transportation Fund, which covers the county’s bus system, is expected to increase 5.6% from last year to include $3.83 million. Part of the funding comes from the Urban Mass Transportation Administration and the New York State Department of Transportation.