ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester City Council passed the city’s budget for the next fiscal year.
The nearly $707 million budget presented by Mayor Malik Evans is $22 million larger than last year’s. It includes a $7.5 million increase in the property tax levy — the first in six years.
That’s to offset an increase in pension, healthcare and utility costs. Undistributed funds account for the largest portion of expenses in the budget, followed by the Rochester Police Department and the city’s Department of Environmental Services.
But city officials say the updated levy will hold homeowner property taxes flat.
“This budget reflects the hard work of City Council, the Mayor and his administration to build a plan for our City that takes into account financial realities without sacrificing the necessary programs and services that keep Rochester moving day in and day out,” City Council Budget, Finance and Governance Chair Mitch Gruber said.
“In a year when the city has ceased to receive ARPA funds, this budget maintains critical services across the city and prepares us to build toward the future,” Gruber said.
President Miguel Meléndez, Vice President LaShay Harris and Councilmembers Gruber, LaShunda Leslie-Smith, Bridget Monroe and Michael Patterson voted yes on the budget. Councilmembers Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin and Chiara “KeeKee” Smith voted no on the budget.
“I view budgets as moral documents, and the staff did a great job putting it together,” Lupien said.
“It’s a lot of work — but my not supporting the budget has nothing to do with the amount of work that was put into it. It’s the policy decisions that come from the top,” Lupien said. “This budget to me does not go fast enough or far enough, and it does not meet the moment. … If every department is being asked to tighten its belt, reduce staffing, and do more with less, why does that expectation seem to apply to everyone except the Rochester Police Department?”
The city budget takes effect July 1.
Rochester City Council passes nearly $707 million city budget WHEC.com.
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