Dutchess County Exec. Sue Serino Proposes
Budget With 4.5% Cut in Property Taxes
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino presented her 2027 Executive Budget to Dutchess County Legislators and other county leaders on Oct. 30 that she says protects essential services, avoids layoffs and stays under the property tax cap with a 4.5% reduction in the property tax rate.
Facing a nearly $90 million gap between projected costs and revenues at the start of the budget process, County Executive Serino emphasized that the budget required difficult decisions, strategic prioritization, and a collaborative effort among county leaders, department heads, and staff. The $722-million budget proposal keeps the overall spending increase to less than 1% (excluding increases attributable to state mandates, the New York State First 3 Childcare grant program and sales tax revenue provided to municipalities).
The property tax levy stays under the New York State property tax cap, and with an 8% growth in true value assessments, the average county property tax rate will go down 4.5% from $2.11 per $1,000 in assessed value this year to $2.02 next year, county officials stated.
The budget proposal reflects the financial challenges facing county governments across New York State from state and federally mandated costs, which dominate 70% of the county budget. Those costs continue to rise every year, including this year’s change to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative cost formula, an impact of $1.8 million. Other rising costs for personnel, health care, and other essential operations continue to place fiscal pressure on the county.
To ensure the necessary recurring revenue to fund the programs and services that neighbors count on, the budget plan adjusts the county sales tax rate to 4% in June 2027, with the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear items under $110 each staying in place. While there are no layoffs in the budget, the plan eliminates several vacant positions and adds only four essential positions, for total net position reduction of 4 positions. Additionally, 14 positions will be held vacant in 2027.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Despite tremendous fiscal pressure from ever-increasing state and federal mandates and rapidly rising costs, we are delivering a 2027 budget that includes no cuts to services and no layoffs. This plan protects what matters most for our neighbors and ensures Dutchess County remains strong and stable for the future.”
Published: November 4, 2026.