Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne signing budget
Cuts Taxes in Budget for first time in 25 years; Property tax rate lowest in 15 years-with no borrowing
Also Vetoed County Board Pay Hike and Eliminates Sales Tas on Clothing Under $110 for Two Years
By Dan Murphy
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has taken measures to reduce costs to the taxpayers of Putnam County by cutting the budget for 2024 which reduces property taxes, and without any borrowing.
Byrne has also vetoed a salary increase for Putnam County Legislators and eliminated the Sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110 for two years.
“At a time when our residents are still struggling because of rampant inflation, county government must do its part to help out,” said County Executive Byrne. “Sales tax on needed goods like these are inherently regressive, disproportionately harming those most economically vulnerable. To many residents, that 4% tax on a new pair of shoes doesn’t seem like much, but to the single mom it could mean being able to afford an extra onesie for her child.”
The two-year sales tax exemption will begin on March 1, 2024 and is expected to equate to a $3 million per year tax cut. During that period, Putnam County will evaluate the exact fiscal impact to the county and will have the option to renew the tax cut in 2026.
Byrne continued, “New York State already doesn’t charge sales tax on these items under $110. So, with absolutely no sales tax being charged, this is significant because for the first time, it’s going to be cheaper to shop here for clothes and shoes in Putnam County than it will be to go to neighboring Connecticut.
Byrne opposed pay raises for all politicians in first year, including himself. The Legislature submitted pay raises for themselves prior to budget meetings which shielded their salary adjustments from an executive veto. Byrne vetoed all other pay raises for politicians that had been added by the Legislature, but the Legislature overrode Byrne’s veto with the minimum 6 votes required, but Byrne still honored his commitment and did not take a raise in pay in his first budget (2024 Budget).
“This is what happens in a healthy democracy supported by a system of checks and balances. I used my veto power as a check on the Legislature to fulfill a commitment I made to freeze pay raises for elected officials in my first year. The Legislature exercised their check to override my decision as County Executive,” said Byrne.
“Residents are still facing real economic hardship whether it be from inflation, high interest rates, or unaffordable housing. Overall, the Legislature and I agreed on over 95% of what this budget should include. We worked together to reduce property and sales taxes, while still delivering services our residents have come to rely on and made record investments in infrastructure improvements and mental health services.
“This Administration’s mission remains the same— with a detailed focus on delivering top notch services as we continuously work to make Putnam County Government more affordable, accountable and accessible for our residents. And, I realize we have more work to do.
“We’re working to negotiate contracts with the four collective bargaining units that represent our public employees, and I simply find it unfair to grant pay raises to elected officials who negotiate or vote on these same contracts before an agreement is finalized. It’s clear six legislators disagree.
“The people of Putnam County should know their County Executive stayed true to his word and did not take a raise,” said Byrne.
The Putnam County Budget was reduced to the lowest level in 15 years. “The budget my administration presented is one that represents a concerted effort to better control and prioritize county spending, lower the property tax rate, and reduce the overall tax burden, all with no new borrowing. I thank Chairman Jonke and appreciate the Legislature’s efforts toward demonstrating greater fiscal conservatism and discipline. As I’ve stated numerous times, no savings is too large or too small for our county to take advantage of.”
Byrne and legislators were able to give taxpayers a reduced, overall tax burden for the first times in 25 years. “I promised residents that we’d take advantage of every opportunity presented to us. We will continue to seize opportunities that provide for a more affordable, accountable, and accessible county government that serves us all. This budget, as currently being presented, continues to deliver on that promise.”
