KINGSTON, NY -- Mayor Steve Noble’s 2020 Recommended Budget was unanimously adopted by Kingston’s Common Council tonight. The total 2020 General Fund budget is $44,464,333.
Under the 2020 Adopted Budget, the tax levy will remain frozen at $17,650,940 with a 0% increase for the fifth year in a row. Tax rates continue to decline for the third consecutive year for homestead (from $9.73 to $9.04 per $1,000 of assessed value), and a steep tax rate drop for non-homestead, which will decrease from $15.59 to $14.24 per $1,000 of assessed value. Over $1,070,000 has been placed in contingency in preparation for potential non-recurring expenses, keeps all essential services intact with no eliminations of currently filled full-time positions, and adds or expands 12 full-time positions.
The Common Council voted to appropriate an additional $542,000 from the fund balance to purchase equipment and vehicles for various City departments rather than bonding, which will save future interest costs for taxpayers.
“I want to thank the Common Council for their close read of the 2020 Budget and their diligence in looking at every facet when allocating taxpayer dollars. We have created a very strong budget that aligns with my overall goals for the future of the City of Kingston,” said Mayor Noble. “The budget also introduces an incremental raise of $5000 a year for the next five years, which will bring the Mayoral salary to $100,000 in 2024. The last raise was in 2006 - this increase is commensurate with similar nearby cities and will ensure that the position of Mayor in the City of Kingston remains attractive to talented candidates with municipal experience.”
“A $44,464,333 budget is a big deal. It’s a lot of money and it’s the lifeblood of the City. I want to assure the public that this budget has gone through extensive review. We held a series of meetings and every line item has been reviewed down to the last detail,” said Finance Committee Chair Douglas Koop, Ward 2.
The 2020 Adopted Budget will support a variety of core service areas within the City of Kingston, including:
Infrastructure
Infrastructure improvements continue to be a primary focus, in several areas: sidewalks, streets, waterfront, and sewer. Many infrastructure improvements and capital projects will be moving forward in 2020, including the Broadway Streetscape Project, Rondout Riverport Stabilization, Henry Street Safe Routes to School, Franklin Street Complete Streets, among others. The budget also includes essential DPW and Parks & Recreation equipment, including a dump truck, milling attachment for paving work, and a sweeper.
Housing
The Kingston City Land Bank will be fully funded in 2020, with a two-year combined investment of over $3 million into quality housing that is affordable. The Office of Economic and Community Development will move to a refurbished property on Franklin Street, ensuring that the Office’s services are easily accessible to local residents.
Public Safety
The City will invest in necessary safety gear for the Kingston Police Department, including ballistics vests and other protective equipment. The Kingston Fire Department will purchase a new fire engine.
Parks and Recreation
In 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department will continue to manage 110 acres of parkland, including 11 parks, 3 community centers, a riverfront beach, a community pool, and an interpretive nature center, as well as taking on management of Dietz Stadium. The budget earmarks $150,000 for Wi-Fi in Kingston parks, improvements to Block and Loughran Parks, as well as the construction of a skatepark at Hasbrouck Park.
Sustainability
Kingston continues to be a leader in environmental and sustainability initiatives. In 2020, the City will implement LED streetlight replacement, invest in several projects that protect and revitalized the waterfront, and continue to reduce emissions with electric vehicles and charging stations.
The 2020 Adopted Budget will be posted at: www.kingston-ny.gov
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