New Rochelle Releases 2024 Proposed Budget Ahead Of Schedule

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — On Thursday, New Rochelle City Manager Kathleen Gill released the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

City officials noted that the release was one month earlier than in prior years, "setting the stage for increased transparency and public engagement in the budget review process. The $305.5 million budget strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and a resolute focus on critical infrastructure and public safety."

In compliance with NYS tax cap legislation, the proposed budget includes a 2.32 percent tax rate increase. For the average homeowner, this amounts to a $94 annual increase.

Officials say that the new budget is "transformative, embodying a commitment to safeguarding New Rochelle's residents."

Highlights include:

• bolstering essential emergency services
• increasing the fire department's on-duty minimum staffing to 36 members
• enriching programming for youth and seniors
• increasing public activities, including concerts & cultural events
• investing in community development, emphasizing job training, placement, & housing assistance programs
• introducing comprehensive 10-year citywide stormwater improvement plan
• introducing sewer enhancements
• replacing the Hudson Marina parking structure
• updating the GreeNR Sustainability Plan
• launching a citywide tree planting program and inventory
• improving parks, with multiple Park Master Plans set to be implemented
• bringing two new community centers on-line to meet the need for expanded services for youth, seniors, & the special needs communities.

$254.6 million will be invested in capital projects through FY 2031, including improvements in community service, public facilities, neighborhood resiliency, economic growth, and business development.

City officials say that the budget takes into account union contractual obligations for employee salaries, health insurance, and pension increases, which will be funded through a blend of tax revenue, fees, grant funding, and anticipated increases in one-time revenue streams from the city's development program.

"This fiscally responsible, balanced budget will keep our City’s transformative growth on track while prioritizing essential services, community support, and investments in our City's infrastructure—all while remaining within the tax cap," the city manager said.

Copies of the proposed budget are available at the City Clerk's office, the New Rochelle Public Library, and the city's website.

The City Council budget review meetings will be held throughout November and December, with a public hearing on December 5, leading to the adoption of the budget.

For further details, the 2024 Proposed Budget document can be found here.