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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. The White Plains Budget Director released Monday a proposed $152.4 million budget that would increase the property tax rate by 5 percent, raise youth bureau and park and recreation fees, and eliminate 16 unfilled positions while conforming to the property tax levy cap.
Michael Genito, city finance commissioner and budget director, said the preliminary budget met a new state requirement that limits municipalities from raising the total property tax funds collected to 2 percent by about $100,000.
Owners would be taxed $184.92 per $1,000 of their assessed property value under the proposed budget. A $2.6 million drop in the assessed value of White Plains properties accounts for approximately 1 percent of the tax rate hike.
Genito said another 2.5 percent of the increase came from a $2.9 million increase in the citys required contributions to employee pensions.
There is no significant mandate relief. For instance, pension costs, as we mentioned, went up $2.9 million. So the state isnt helping us out there. State aid is at best staying the same, said Genito.
The city has $1.15 million more in sales tax revenue to work with than last year and will no longer need to use debt as a financing source, according to Genito.
The budget wouldnt alter the services currently provided by White Plains. The spending plan would add a new youth swimming program, basketball organization and family camp-out at Delfino Park that are expected to pay for their costs.
However, expanded programs may come with higher fees. The city may raise summer camp costs by $25 to $30, up youth tennis program fees by $5 and increase the youth bureaus after-school connection program price by $27. Higher fees in building department and public works are anticipated, city officials said.
The preliminary budget sets aside $1.4 million to finance 2 percent salary increases in proposed settlements with the police, fire and Teamsters union, which have expired contracts. That rate matches what was previously negotiated with the Civil Service Employees Association.
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