Councilmember Anthony Merante
Once again, Yonkers 6th District Councilmember Anthony Merante stood up for the city’s taxpayers, casting the sole vote against the 2025–26 budget, which includes a 2.85% property tax increase. Merante, who has served for the past eight years, has consistently demonstrated the courage to speak out on behalf of Yonkers’ overburdened residents.
“I voted no on this budget because I don’t believe it is fair to anyone—especially our seniors living on fixed incomes,” said Councilmember Merante. “It’s troubling that many may now be forced to choose between food, medication or paying their taxes. This budget places an unnecessary burden on some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Merante also pointed to the city’s labor situation as another reason for his opposition. “It’s unfair to union bargaining units, as all contracts will have expired by the end of the year,” he said.
“While we did receive bullet aid from New York State to help close the school budget gap, it falls far short of what Yonkers is truly entitled to. After eight years, I’ve come to realize this budgeting system is broken and in desperate need of reform—so I cannot support it.”
Merante also voiced strong opposition to the proposed 4% water rate hike.
“I supported past rate increases because Yonkers’ infrastructure is aging and constantly in need of repair. But this is different,” he explained. “Residents are understandably frustrated that we have to replace water meters that were just installed a decade ago with new meters that will cost another $18 million.”
“Our homeowners are currently receiving estimated water bills that may not reflect their actual usage, and on top of that, we raise rates. That’s simply not fair. Given the circumstances, this is not the right time to increase water costs.”
Councilmember Merante however supported the adopted Capital Budget, which passed unanimously, 7–0. “I voted in favor of the Capital Budget because it addresses major needs that have been long neglected—such as road resurfacing, updated textbooks for our students, and the purchase of new fire trucks ” he stated. “We must also ensure that our emergency response equipment is fully operational. When someone calls 911, our units need to be ready and equipped to help.”
Since taking office, Councilmember Merante has remained steadfast in his commitment to the people of Yonkers. His motto, “It’s All About You,” reflects his unwavering dedication to being a voice for taxpayers and residents. A CPA and local businessman, Merante has consistently walked the walk. He’s the only Councilmember to decline the use of a city-issued car and free gas, voted against his own pay raise, and when it passed anyway, donated the increase back to community organizations in his district.
“If you run for office to be a public servant, then you should serve the public—not yourself,” Merante concluded.
