No Tax Increase In Proposed Utica Budget

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri presented his 2017-18 budget to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment on Thursday.

The spending plan totals $69 million and holds the line on property taxes.  There are no layoffs or cuts in the proposed budget.

Palmieri says the budget increases spending by only 3.5 percent compared to the City's 2009-10 budget nine years ago.  He also says the City’s previously depleted fund balance now stands at $5.6 million, the highest it has been in nearly 20 years.

Palmieri says it's one of the most difficult budgets he's had to put together as Mayor.

The Board of E & A passed the budget by a vote of 3-to-2, with Common Council President Michael Galime and Council Ed Bucciero voting no.

The Common Council must pass a final budget by March 20th.

The Mayor is scheduled to host five community budget meetings to interact with residents.

East Utica-Tuesday February 21st 6:00pm, Mt. Carmel Church

West Utica- Wednesday February 22nd 7:00pm, West Utica Senior Center

North Utica- Monday February 27th 6:30pm, North Utica Senior Center

South Utica- Wednesday March 1st 6:00pm, Jewish Community Center

Cornhill- Wednesday March 8th 6:30, Empowerment Center

The Mayor's budget message can be found on the City of Utica website.

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