DollarsCity Manager Chuck Strome has just released his proposed budget for 2016.  As a whole, the document reflects steady improvement in New Rochelle’s fiscal condition, with sales tax revenue projected to hit a record $28 million, and with an unappropriated fund balance (basically our municipal savings account) at a healthy $8.2 million.

Nonetheless, our municipal operations continue to be very lean with staffing down about 11% from the pre-recession level.  And our investment in infrastructure remains inadequate, with the lion’s share of the capital budget assigned to vehicle replacement.

The City Manager proposes a tax levy increase of less than 1%, consistent with the State tax cap.  He also proposes a minor adjustment in the residential refuse fee to cover total sanitation costs.  In total, the average homeowner would see his or her annual expenses rise by about $56.

During the next few weeks, the City Council and I will have an opportunity to review the budget in detail, pose questions to members of our staff, hear from the public, and possibly suggest amendments.  We expect to approve a final budget in December.

Here is the full budget proposal.

 

 

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