Schenectady County’s proposed $501.8 million operating budget for 2027 would increase the county property tax levy by 2%, to $72.5 million, while continuing core services and funding infrastructure and community programs.
Interim County Manager Bob Lawton submitted the tentative budget and a 2027–2032 Capital Improvement Program to the County Legislature. He is scheduled to formally present them Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. The levy increase follows a decade in which the county largely held the levy flat, according to the county’s announcement.
The proposal allocates approximately $119 million to 10 major state- and federally mandated programs—more than the entire proposed property tax levy. Those programs include Medicaid, child welfare, public assistance, special education, indigent legal services, probation and corrections.
The county said the spending plan accounts for higher employee wages and benefits, as well as uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding. It expects approximately $57 million in federal operating aid in 2027, mostly supporting the Department of Social Services. Changes to SNAP administration are also expected to increase county costs.
For families seeking child-care assistance, the proposal includes an additional $4.3 million in state Child Care Block Grant funding to expand access to subsidies. It also increases operating support for SUNY Schenectady County, continues tuition assistance for eligible students through the Schenectady Higher Education Promise initiative, and increases support for the Schenectady County Public Library.
Funding would continue for public health and social services, Glendale Home, road maintenance and transportation improvements. Public safety funding would support the Sheriff’s Office, including road patrols and specialized units, along with the Unified Communications Center, emergency 911 system and District Attorney’s Office.
The six-year capital proposal includes investments in county roads and public buildings, the Schenectady County Airport, library facilities and SUNY Schenectady County. It also includes equipment for the Department of Public Works and Sheriff’s Office.
Legislative budget reviews are scheduled for Oct. 5, 6 and 7, followed by a public hearing and budget review Oct. 8. Budget consideration is scheduled for Oct. 13. Each meeting begins at 7 p.m.
The meetings will take place in the Legislature Chambers on the sixth floor of the County Office Building, 620 State Street in Schenectady, and will be streamed live on the county’s YouTube channel. The proposed budget and capital program are available at schenectadycountyny.gov.