Mayor Buckley proposes a nearly 2% tax increase
From the City of Hornell,
The Common Council met on Monday, in a special meeting following a public hearing, to review and vote on budgets for the upcoming 2023-2024 fiscal year. The Council unanimously approved the proposed budgets for water, as well as the general fund. While the budget proposes a small, 1.97% property tax increase, the City of Hornell remains one of the most affordable communities in the state of New York.
During an extensive review of the budgets, Mayor Buckley noted a recurring theme in both budgets was an increase in costs of materials and supplies. The Mayor stated, “Municipalities are not immune from hyper-inflation which has dramatically impacted the cost of materials and supplies. This is evident in our water and sewer budgets, with the cost of process chemicals skyrocketing. Other departments have been adversely affected as well including Police, Fire and DPW regarding fuel costs and building materials. Additionally, there is no expected increase in state revenue to help offset these rising costs. Despite dealing with this inflationary climate, we have produced a fiscally sound budget that addresses the needs of City departments and continues to deliver the high level of services residents expect and rely on. I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our department heads, and the City Chamberlain, for being cognizant of the impact on taxpayers while building these budgets.”
City Chamberlain, Michele Smith, states, “I believe these are both responsible budgets that reflect the needs and priorities of our community. The water budget does not have an increase, while we have made significant investments in our water plant, including the recent completion of a $7 million project. The general fund does include an increase in property taxes, but it’s important to keep things in perspective. The increase works out to be .261 per $1,000 of assessed value, which means that for a $100,000 home, the increase will be $26.10 per year. For a $75,000 home, the increase will be $19.58.”
Melissa Ponticello, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, added, “I am pleased to see the Council approve the proposed budgets for water and the general fund for the upcoming fiscal year. These budgets reflect a balanced approach to meeting the needs of our community while keeping costs in check. We have worked hard to ensure that the budgets are fiscally responsible and responsive to the needs of our residents, and I am confident that it will help the City of Hornell continue to thrive in the coming year.”
The City of Hornell was recently named the most affordable in New York by Nomad Lawyer. The report analyzed various factors, including cost of living, median home prices, and income levels, among others, to determine the most affordable places to live in the state. “We are thrilled to be recognized as the most affordable place to live in New York State. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community. These current budgets continue to reflect sound fiscal management, while maintaining our commitment to affordability and quality of life in our community,” reflected Mayor Buckley.
Residents, department heads, and City officials attend the Public Hearing where the Mayor and Chamberlain reviewed proposed budgets for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
