Picente Unveils 2020 Budget Proposal

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente presented his proposed 2020 budget to the Board of Legislators on Friday morning.

The spending plan totals nearly $440 million and for the seventh year in a row, carries no property tax increase.

The budget includes $1.2 million for the County's Opiate Task Force, a six-percent increase in funding to libraries and a $150,000 Animal Protection Fund for the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, the Rome Humane Society and Spring Farm Cares.

Picente says the budget also retires nearly $18 million in debt.

“This budget reflects the priorities that will capitalize on the opportunities that are in front of us all,” Picente said. “Because of strong fiscal management, real partnerships and a solid financial plan that we never wavered from, I have been able to increase funding for initiatives throughout this county and not raise our property tax levy for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year.”

The Board of Legislators will vote on Picente's budget proposal at their November 13th meeting.

Picente's opponent in the November election is reacting to the County Executive's budget proposal.\

You can read Picente's budget address at ocgov,ent.

Democrat Mike Hennessy says Picente's budget increases spending and increases borrowing.

He says Picente's spending practices are irresponsible and unsustainable.

Hennessy says his budget plan reduces spending by increasing efficiencies and reducing taxes.