Serino unveils $627 million spending plan

POUGHKEEPSIE—Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced a $627 million spending plan for 2025 that increases public safety funding and invests in initiatives that benefit individuals, families, youths, seniors and veterans, all while remaining under the New York State Property Tax Cap.

Among the highlights of the proposal, unveiled on Oct. 29, are a $2 million program for Emergency Medical Services to attract talent and provide public education. Another allocation expands coverage to underserved areas, $700,000 for youth service programs, and a $200,000 expenditure for the Real Time Crime Center — a collaboration between the Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices, expected to launch by the end of this year.

Additional proposed expenditures include anti-drug and vaping prevention agendas, senior support programs, and the Think Accessible initiative, which provides training and educational opportunities for businesses, organizations, and municipalities.

The budgetary proposal is an inaugural effort for the Republican county executive, who assumed office in January 2024. While spending is up under the 2025 plan with an $18.3 million (3%) increase, homeowners and businesses will benefit from a reduced county property tax rate under the plan, with rates decreasing about 4% from $2.23 in 2024 to $2.14 for 2025.

The increases are the result of reimbursable state mandates and grant-funded expenses.

Without these costs, spending would have risen only 1%, owing primarily to increases of approximately $9 million in pension costs and health insurance.

Serino believes her proposal is fiscally sound and citizen-centered, stating, “With careful planning, we have delivered a responsible budget that makes essential investments in Dutchess County, [and] provides the services our residents rely on while limiting the impact to our taxpayers.”