Utica Common Council Delivers Budget With 9.9% Tax Hike

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council moves to adopt a budget for next year that will offer Utica taxpayers fewer cops and the loss of other key city personnel. This budget will also raise taxes by about 10%.

Last night the council moved to override several key mayoral vetoes, allowing the group to pass a new budget that trims public safety departments more deeply than Mayor Palmieri's plan, but cuts the tax hike from just under 20% to around 10%.

Common Council President Bill Moorehouse says this is his fifth budget and it's the saddest day in the city of Utica.

PBA President and UPD Sergeant Dominick Nitti addressed councilors, he warned of the fallout that is expected with the loss of 17 officers; higher crime, lower officer moral and an unfriendly business environment.