POUGHKEEPSIE — The Dutchess County’s Legislature adopted their 2025 budget on Monday, Dec. 9, with a 23-2 bipartisan vote.
The budget includes a $629.4 million spending plan. The adopted budget included several amendments to County Executive Sue Serino’s budget, which she proposed earlier in October.
Businesses and homeowners will see a 2.7% decrease in the county’s property tax rates. Last year, the property tax rate was $2.23 and with the approved budget, this will be lowered to $2.17 in 2025, marking the tenth consecutive year of property tax rate cuts.
The 2025 budget also aims to improve services that residents rely on for their day-to-day lives. Many new initiatives focus on public safety, youth services and support for seniors, veterans and families. In addition, the initiatives open up support for the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, Housing Trust fund applications, historic investments in Emergency Medical Services and more.
County legislators made several amendments to the 2025 county budget, which were unanimously approved, creating additional funding for existing and new projects including, but not limited to, $750,000 for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s office for overtime purposes at the county’s justice and transition center, $500,000 for the Department of Planning & Development to fund the Municipal Innovation Grant program with a specific focus on the elderly, $50,000 for the Office of Veterans’ Affairs for expanded transportation services, and $50,000 to the Department of Community and Family Services Youth Division to fund after-school programming to serve at-risk youth.
Chris Drago (D-19), was one of two lawmakers who voted no on the 2025 Dutchess County Budget.
“While the budget included a few things that we have been advocating for this year, it did not go far enough in addressing our cost of living, housing, climate, mental health, or EMS crisis here in Dutchess County,” Drago said. “There will be other opportunities to adjust the budget as needs arise in 2025, and I plan to continue to advocate for more resources in the Planning Department to address our cost of living and housing crisis.”
The newest version of the budget will be reviewed and signed by Serino. It will then go to the Dutchess County Legislature’s Board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18, for override consideration of amendment vetoes made by the County Executive, if any.
For more information on the 2025 Dutchess County Budget, visit dutchessny.gov/budget2025.
Amenia voters fill out their ballots at Church of Immaculate Conception. Voters weighed in on a variety of high-profile positions, including governor and attorney general.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Eric Alexander, back right, watches voting results for his County Legislator race alongside his staff and fellow Dutchess Democrats. Alexander retained his seat, defeating challenger Stefanie Hubert by 440 votes. Photo by Graham Corrigan
Amenia's polling location is Church of Immaculate Conception on Lavalle Road.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Dave Jones, owner and chief mechanic at Lakeville Auto. Laurie Fendrich
