City Council Unanimously Adopts 2014 Budget
Budget retains essential services and stays within tax cap

The New Rochelle City Council last night unanimously adopted a budget for fiscal year 2014 which retains essential services, meets the City’s contractual agreements, and stays within the New York State-imposed property tax cap. With a tax levy of 1.63% and a rate increase of 2.06%, the average property owner will see an increase of just $65 on the City portion of their annual bill.

Additional revenue used to offset the tax levy was realized from the sale of City-owned property and Avalon II, the passage of New York State legislation changing the way fire hydrant expenses are billed, and a lesser increase in health care costs.

The Council also adopted a capital improvement budget of almost $14 million, 70% of which is funded by federal and state grants. Projects address maintenance to the City’s infrastructure include street resurfacing, storm drain and sanitary sewer improvements, tree planting and sidewalk replacement. A bond issue of $2,501,713 will finance the acquisition of Public Works and Parks vehicles, a fire engine and drainage improvements in the Halcyon Park area.

“I am gratified by the unanimous support for this budget, which maintains our existing level of services, at a minimal impact to our taxpayers,” said City Manager Charles B. Strome, III.