New Rochelle Unveils 2019 Proposed Budget

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle released a proposed budget for 2019 that does not exceed the state-mandated tax cap. According to information from the city, the $199.6 million budget preserves and enhances essential services and reflects a continued investment in the city's infrastructure.

The proposed tax rate increase is 2.42 percent. The proposed tax increase for the average homeowner is $89, which equates to 24 cents a day.

City Manager Charles Strome III said that, despite the limitations of the tax cap legislation, the city continues to enhance services and fund capital projects at a minimal cost increase to taxpayers.

"The proposed budget is a responsible financial plan that includes funding for the further restoration of public safety services and a continued robust investment in the city's infrastructure, while maintaining an adequate rainy day fund in accordance with the goals of the city's new Fund Balance Policy," he said.

The 10-year capital plan was updated as a result of a review of infrastructure and capital assets. The plan costs $101.6 million and includes complete street projects, sewer repairs and replacement, parks and environmental projects and public safety technology.

In addition to the capital program, the rise in expenses come from union contractual obligations for employee salaries, health insurance increases and right-sizing the workforce. Those increases will be funded by tax revenue, fines, grant funding and anticipated increases in one-time revenue streams generated from the city's development program.

Strome said that as the city continues to grow, the need for adequate resources will also grow.

"A prudent and cautious approach that recognizes and keeps pace with this demand will enable us to restore and maintain our extraordinary level of service to our citizens," he said.

"This budget provides the framework for achieving that goal," Strome said.

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

The city council will conduct budget review meetings in November and December and hold a public hearing Dec. 4 in advance of the adoption of a tax rate in December.

Special budget meetings are as follows:

• Nov. 13 at 3:45 p.m. — budget estimate presentation
• Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. — review of department budgets
• Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. — capital budget and questions
• Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. — if needed

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Photo caption: From left: Deputy Finance Commissioner Michael Lewis, Interim Finance Commissioner Mark Zulli and City Manager Charles Strome III. Photo credit: City of New Rochelle.