The latest budget proposal by Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon once again includes a cut in property taxes. He told lawmakers prudent fiscal management translates to a proposed nine percent cut in the property tax rate.
“To put this into further context, we would have the lowest county rate among major Upstate counties in the state of New York, if approved," McMahon said. "If approved, we will also have cut the property tax rate nearly 42 percent since the time I joined county government, with many of you in 2012.”
What it doesn’t account for is city, town, and village assessments. They vary widely, and have a significant impact on a homeowner’s tax bill.
The $1.5 billion spending plan released Thursday also makes a significant investment in the department of children and family services. He plans to hire 15 new workers to handle surges in caseloads, even though he says the department is fully staffed.
“Five years ago, we had a more seasoned staff where we have a younger staff now, putting more bodies on there, more eyes," McMahon said. "We're also keeping cases open longer which creates the need for more of the caseworkers, as well. Overall we're we're investing about $3,000,000 into this department."
The additional staff is in direct response to the deaths of five-year-old Nefertiti Harris and 11-year-old Ashton Degonzaque. The children’s cases were under county oversight when Harris was murdered by her mother in January, and Degonzaque died of an accidental drug overdose at his father’s home in March. The legislature’s Democratic floor leader Chris Ryan says the additional funding is a priority for his caucus.
“Definitely the additional positions and the resources for Department of Children and Family Services is good," Ryan said. "We put in those budget amendments a couple of years ago, so I'm really, really happy to hear that.”
McMahon’s budget also proposes ongoing investments in early childhood education, children’s mental health, lead paint remediation, and housing development.
Lawmakers will spend most of the next several weeks reviewing and amending the spending plan. It takes effect January 1, 2025.
