Sue Serino Releases 2027 Executive Budget
Protecting What Matters Most

POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino today presented her 2027 Executive Budget to Dutchess County Legislators and other county leaders, outlining a responsible and balanced spending plan that protects essential services, avoids layoffs and stays under the property tax cap with a 4.5% property tax rate reduction.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Despite tremendous fiscal pressure from ever-increasing state and federal mandates and rapidly rising costs, we are delivering a 2027 budget that includes no cuts to services and no layoffs.    This plan protects what matters most for our neighbors and ensures Dutchess County remains strong and stable for the future.”

Facing a nearly $90 million gap between projected costs and revenues at the start of the budget process, County Executive Serino emphasized that the budget required difficult decisions, strategic prioritization, and a collaborative effort among County leaders, department heads, and staff.   The 2027 budget plan prioritizes fiscal stability while continuing to invest in public safety; support for the County’s most vulnerable residents, including youth, veterans and older adults; health and mental health; housing; emergency medical services; community programs and more.

The $722 million budget proposal keeps the overall spending increase to less than 1% (excluding increases attributable to state mandates, the New York State First 3 Childcare grant program and sales tax revenue provided to municipalities).   The property tax levy stays under the New York State property tax cap, and with an 8% growth in true value assessments, the average County property tax rate will go down 4.5% from $2.11 per $1,000 in assessed value this year to $2.02 next year.

The budget proposal reflects the financial challenges facing county governments across New York State from state and federally mandated costs, which dominate 70% of the County budget.  Those costs continue to rise every year, including this year’s change to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative cost formula, an impact of $1.8 million. Other rising costs for personnel, health care, and other essential operations continue to place fiscal pressure.  To ensure the necessary recurring revenue to fund the programs and services that neighbors count on, the budget plan adjusts the County sales tax rate to 4% in June 2027, with the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear items under $110 each staying in place.

While there are no layoffs in the budget, the plan eliminates several vacant positions and adds only four essential positions, for total net position reduction of 4 positions. Additionally, 14 positions will be held vacant in 2027. 

The Community Benefit Fund, the five-year set-aside created by County Executive Serino in 2024 using remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, will be used to fund $3.75 million in key initiatives while helping reduce the tax burden. Additionally, the 2027 Executive Budget uses $28.5 million in general fund balance to limit the impact on taxpayers.   

This balanced approach will help ensure the County’s strong AA+ bond rating can be maintained while sustaining the County’s successful, high-quality programs that so many depend on.

Key priorities in the 2027 Executive Budget include:

• Strengthening EMS with the launch of a Community Paramedicine Program, offering 60 hours of weekly in-home assessments, follow-up care and connections to medical resources, as well as exploring telehealth programs to help low-acuity 911 callers find the most appropriate care
• New York State’s $22 million “First 3” childcare pilot program that will begin enrolling children ages 0-3 next year with the goal of more than 1,000 new childcare slots over the next three years
• $3 million in support for the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, including over $1 million for local police agency partners
• $1 million investment in the County’s Housing Trust Fund to expand the local housing supply
• Addition of three new street outreach positions to assist those experiencing homelessness
• Construction of the HOPE Center, a modern, state-certified emergency shelter
• Combatting food insecurity by supporting food pantries’ staff training and investing $45,000 for programs expanding access to fresh, nutritious food
• Expanding youth career pathways, supporting the successful Youth and Police Initiative (YPI) and launching a new initiative to help fathers strengthen their families
• Partnering with Community Action Agency to help residents apply for SNAP benefits through a dedicated SNAP Navigator
• Construction of a modern, countywide radio system to improve communication and coordination among emergency responders during emergencies and disasters
• Enforcing the County’s ban on kratom products while expanding public education through opioid settlement funds
• Using $1.5 million in State funding for free private-well PFAS testing and rebates up to $10,000 for water treatment or public water connections
• Supporting older adults with expanded transportation, in-home care, caregiver support and social activities while strengthening efforts to prevent elder abuse and scams
• Expanding veteran outreach to connect veterans and families to housing and financial assistance, peer support and transportation to help veterans access essential services
• Marking the 200th anniversary of slavery’s abolition in New York State with mini-grants to support historical and educational programs
• Strengthening animal welfare enforcement by adding a Humane Law Enforcement Officer to investigate cruelty, neglect and abuse

County Executive Serino said, “This budget proposal is about making a real difference in people’s lives, all while considering the difficult choices counties throughout the state must make. I am grateful to all our County employees, including my fellow elected officials and Department Heads, for your commitment and cooperation through this budget process.  This plan represents shared sacrifice throughout our entire County Government.  I look forward to working with the County Legislature in the weeks ahead as we move toward the adoption of a final budget plan that serves our neighbors and protects our fiscal foundation so we can provide those services well into the future.”

County Executive Serino’s 2027 Executive Budget documents are available at  dutchessny.gov/2027budget.