No Cuts to Municipal Services and Active Workforce; Historic Funding for Education
Following weeks of budget hearings, the City of Yonkers 2025-2026 Budget was adopted with a 6-1 vote by the Yonkers City Council. The Adopted Budget invests in quality of life services, public safety, contains no cuts to municipal services or active workforce, and maintains historic funding to Yonkers Public Schools.
The 2026 Adopted Budget increases funding to the Yonkers Public Schools, bringing the total transfer to education to $298.3 million. The Adopted Budget stays within the state-mandated tax cap, with an adopted tax increase of 2.85%.
Mayor Spano stated, “This budget is sound and responsible. Given the current global economic climate, I would like to thank the cooperative efforts of our City Council as we make informed investments in the quality services we provide to our residents. Making the vital investments in education will allow us to keep moving Yonkers forward in the right direction.”
For FY26, the Adopted Budget recommits to education in Yonkers Public Schools, as it includes additional funding provided by a change in the Regional Cost Index (RCI) passed by the New York State Legislature, which affects funding formula calculations for FY26 and beyond.
“Special thanks to our State delegation for recognizing the needs of our students and helping Yonkers Public Schools avoid potential cuts in jobs and services, and continue the progress we’ve made in the District,” commented Mayor Spano.
“Thank you to our Finance Department and my colleagues on the Council,” commented Yonkers City Council President and Budget Chair Lakisha Collins-Bellamy. “It’s not an easy decision to raise taxes. One thing Yonkers is – is resilient. In the absence of additional funding, we do the most with the least. Our students remain high performers, and that’s a testament to our teaching staff and administrators. Everything we considered in this budget will continue to add to the quality of life in the City of Yonkers.”
“I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on the City Council to pass a budget that keeps Yonkers safe, moves our schools forward, and invests in the infrastructure that strengthens our neighborhoods. This budget reflects our shared commitment to delivering for the people of Yonkers—today and for years to come,” Yonkers Council Majority Leader John Rubbo.
Yonkers Council Minority Leader Mike Breen said, “Passing the City’s operating and capital budgets is never an easy task, and any tax increase is something I take very seriously. But this year’s budget makes critical investments that residents will see and feel. We’ve allocated $4 million to repave our streets, put six brand new fire trucks into service just this week, and secured much-needed funding for the Will and Crestwood library branches. These are meaningful improvements that will benefit our neighborhoods for years to come.”
Budget Snapshot:
- $1.54 billion total budget
- Adopted to Adopted Tax Rate of 2.85%
- Bonded $7.3 million to Yonkers Board of Education for books, laptops and equipment
- Preserves city/school services and workforce
