Adopted Budget Preserves Services and Workforce While Delivering Historic Support for Yonkers Public Schools
On May 29, following weeks of budget hearings, the Yonkers City Council unanimously adopted the City of Yonkers FY2026-2027 Budget. The $1.64 billion Adopted Budget invests in quality-of-life services, public safety, infrastructure, and education, while preserving all active municipal services and the municipal workforce.
The FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget provides $56.3 million in additional support for Yonkers Public Schools, freeing up critical resources for classroom instruction and student support. This funding includes $17.3 million to improve school infrastructure and expand Wi-Fi connectivity, and $6.3 million for textbooks, laptops, and educational equipment, while freeing up additional resources for classroom instruction and student services.
“Most importantly, we are making a historic investment in Yonkers Public Schools, supporting our students, strengthening our classrooms, and preparing our schools for the future,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “This budget reflects our commitment to protecting taxpayers while continuing to invest in the services residents rely on every day.”
The Adopted Budget reduces the proposed 5.25% tax rate increase to 4.75 percent. The budget also includes appropriations to settle uniform union contracts.
Mayor Spano added, “I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and our state delegation for recognizing the needs of our City.
Between the additional school aid and the State’s increased AIM funding, this support will allow us to continue making meaningful investments in education without sacrificing essential city services.”
As part of the State’s enhanced Temporary Municipal Assistance funding, Yonkers will receive the maximum $15 million allocation from New York State. Combined with approximately $40 million in additional state support, the City intends to direct significant resources toward strengthening Yonkers Public Schools.
Yonkers City Council President and Budget Chair Lakisha Collins-Bellamy said, “Faced with a proposed 5.25% tax increase, the City Council examined every line of this budget and found a path to 4.75% while still protecting essential services, maintaining our historic commitment to Yonkers Public Schools, and putting real money back in the pockets of our residents. In a time of rising federal uncertainty and mounting cost pressures, a 0.5% reduction may sound modest, but to a senior on a fixed income or a working family already stretched thin, it matters. That is exactly the kind of fiscal discipline and advocacy this Council is here to provide.”
Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo said, “This was one of the most challenging budgets I have faced during my time on the City Council. Rising costs in areas like special education, healthcare, and school transportation put significant pressure on the City’s finances and require difficult decisions. I also want to thank our partners in New York State for recognizing the challenges facing cities like Yonkers and providing critical support that helped us navigate this difficult budget year. As a Yonkers homeowner myself, I understand the impact that higher taxes have on families here, which is why I approached this budget with that responsibility in mind. While raising property taxes is never something I take lightly, this budget protects the services residents depend on most, including public safety, our schools, parks, and quality of life. I want to thank Mayor Spano for his leadership throughout this process and my colleagues on the City Council for working together to deliver a responsible budget that keeps Yonkers moving forward despite these challenges.”
Yonkers City Council Minority Leader Mike Breen said, “Today, the Yonkers City Council adopted a budget that continues to fund the essential services our residents rely on every day, including public safety, sanitation, parks, and infrastructure. While no one welcomes a tax increase, we were faced with difficult financial realities and worked to balance the needs of our community with our responsibility to maintain the services that make Yonkers a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I remain committed to finding ways to improve efficiency, control costs, and lessen the burden on taxpayers moving forward.”
Budget Snapshot
- $1.64 billion total budget
- 4.75% adopted tax rate increase
- $56.3 million in additional support for Yonkers Public Schools
- $17.3 million in school capital improvements and Wi-Fi enhancements
- Includes appropriations to settle uniform union contracts
- Preserves all active municipal services and workforce
