Picente Says Modest Tax Hike Needed to Keep County Strong

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says it’s time for a small but necessary course correction. For the first time in more than a decade, his proposed 2026 budget includes a 2.9% property tax increase — a move he calls a “step forward,” not a setback.

Picente laid out his $560.9 million spending plan this week before the County Board of Legislators, describing it as a responsible adjustment to deal with rising costs and stagnant revenue. The biggest problem, he says, is Albany and Washington pushing more expenses onto counties while local leaders have little say in how the money is spent.

About 90% of Oneida County’s budget goes toward programs required by the state, like Medicaid and foster care. Medicaid alone costs the county more than $57 million — nearly the entire property tax levy. Despite that burden, Picente points out that his administration continues to pay down debt faster than it borrows and keeps tightening spending where possible.

The new budget retires $17.6 million in debt while adding $13 million in new borrowing for major projects. Other changes include moving foster care management in-house and cutting unfilled jobs to save money.

Picente said the goal is simple: protect the county’s ability to deliver services without digging a financial hole. “We’ve done everything possible to keep the increase small,” he said.

Lawmakers will vote on the plan November 12th.

Damage from the June 22, 2025 Clark Mills Tornado

I live on Clinton Street, which was on the direct path of the Clark Mills tornado. This is what my neighbors and I woke up to on June 22, 2025.

Gallery Credit: Megan

Memories of the Remington Arms Plant in Ilion, NY

Here are just a few photos of some memories of the Remington Arms plant in Ilion, NY. On March 4, 2024, the plant closed its doors and left the village it called home for more than 200 years.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler

O'Scugnizzo's Pizzeria is 110 Years Old in Utica, NY

Founded in 1914 by Eugenio Brullino, a determined immigrant from Naples, Italy, O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria has become synonymous with quality, consistency, and the unique flavors of

Utica.

Eugenio Brullino arrived in America in 1913 on the Canopic to Boston, Massachusetts, from Naples at the age of 25. Settling in Utica with his wife Maria, he began his American journey as a pastry chef. To supplement their household income, Maria would prepare little tomato pies, which Eugenio sold at church feasts each weekend. The name "O'Scugnizzo" comes from Naples, which was a slang term used for street urchin’s looking for a day’s work.

When he decided to open his pizzeria in 1914, it was this term that became the trade name, a legacy that would endure for generations.

Gallery Credit: Permission by Lisa Burline Roser for TSM

Filed Under: oneida county budget