Schenectady County Passes Highest Tax Raise in Over a Decade

Schenectady County passed a 2% tax raise, which is the highest increase in more than a decade and the first tax hike in five years. The total budget is $501 million, representing an 8.9% increase in spending, or approximately $41 million. This increase was partially offset by new Social Security grants and a $15 million rise in sales tax revenue.

The tax increase was implemented to cover rising expenses and address federal funding uncertainty. Most of the increased spending is allocated to employee wages and benefits. The county also slowed the planned aquatic center project due to higher-than-expected estimates.