Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh is proposing a two percent property tax increase to help address increasing costs and housing needs in the city. The proposal came during the introduction of his $341 million 2025 budget Tuesday. Walsh says across the board cost increases for city services were behind what he calls his modest proposal.
“That translates to about a $55 increase in property taxes for the year, again, not insignificant, not taken lightly, but necessary to address the to ensure that we're delivering the city services that our residents expect and deserve.”
Walsh is also proposing increases of roughly $15 for sewer rates and five dollars for water. The Mayor says $2 million of that new revenue will be shifted to the newly developed Syracuse Housing Trust fund. Walsh says the hope is that will spur private investment in housing.
“But as we’re trying to position the city to compete for new employees at Micron, and other people who are going to be coming to this community for economic opportunity…it’s imperative that our neighborhoods are seen as competitive…and viable…and attractive.”
Walsh notes that the Housing Trust Fund will be a big of a housing strategic plan that will be released later this month. The proposed budget is now in the hands of the common council for review over the next two weeks. Councilors will hold a public hearing May 1.
