New Rochelle Releases Proposed 2020 Budget

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle released its proposed budget for 2020. The $213 million spending package is up 6.8 percent from the 2019 adopted budget.

The proposed tax levy increase is 2.13 percent, which is the maximum allowable under the state's tax cap legislation.

The city estimates that the average homeowner will see an increase of $105, which equals 30 cents per day.

City Manager Charles Strome III said the proposed budget was "a responsible financial plan that further restores public safety services, invests in the city's infrastructure and maintains a healthy fund balance — all at a minimal cost increase to taxpayers."

The 10-year capital plan was updated as a result of a review of the city's infrastructure and capital assets. The plan includes pedestrian and traffic projects, sewer repairs and replacements, parks and environmental projects, street and facility improvements and an investment in public safety technology.

"This continued multi-year investment will benefit our city as a whole, and improve the quality of life for both businesses and residents," Strome said.

Besides the capital program, the rise in expenses in the proposed budget is comprised of union contractual obligations for employee salaries and health insurance.

Strome said the increase will be funded by tax revenue, fees, grant funding and anticipated increases in one-time revenue streams from the city's development program.

With New Rochelle and the surrounding region growing and developing, he said resources need to keep pace to support the city's service strong level of service delivery.

"This budget represents a prudent and cautious approach to maintaining that adequacy," Strome said.

Copies of the proposed budget are available online, in the city clerk's office and at the New Rochelle Public Library.

The city council will have budget review meeting in November and December. A public hearing will be held Dec. 10 with the adoption of the budget sometime before the end of the year.

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