News Release - Warren Budget Lowers Tax Rate while Adding Police

City of Rochester

News Release

Mayor Lovely A.  WarrenRochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren today unveiled her annual operating budget for the City of Rochester – lowering taxes for residential homeowners by 1.12% while making significant investments in some key departments and areas.

The Mayor’s 2016-17 Proposed Budget is $516,969,100 which is 2.3 percent higher than the 2015-16 Amended Budget of $505,322,500. City property values have risen by eight percent overall which allowed for a continued investment in key areas while modestly lowering tax rates.

“Once again we are keeping faith with our residents and taxpayers,” said Mayor Warren. “We are putting more police on our streets and we are lowering tax rates all in an effort to bring safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, more jobs and better educational opportunities to our city and its residents. With our employees, community and private sector partners working together, we are reclaiming our city. I am proud to say that despite our financial challenges, we are investing in our citizens and I believe this budget balances our priorities and needs.”

The Mayor’s budget proposal reduces the typical city homeowner’s tax bill by $15.85 and looks to increase Rochester Police Patrol Officers by 20 along with two additional Investigators. “In 2011, the City reduced its police complement significantly and now – working with our Police Chief - I’m looking to restore them,” said Mayor Warren.

The City plans to continue its investment in body-worn cameras for the Police Department, including required technical infrastructure to support the system, as well as two police recruit classes versus only one in prior years.

“I want to thank Governor Cuomo and our State Delegation for their assistance in helping us close our budget gap,” said Mayor Warren. “They provided the City with $6 million in non-recurring aid, which means we will continue working with State Leaders in Albany to address our ongoing fiscal needs.”

“This year’s budget process included a variety of community input forums: a facilitated meeting at City Hall, a telephone town hall meeting and an online survey. “The citizens of Rochester told us what was important to them and I want them to know that we listened,” said the Mayor.

2016-17 Budget book coverThe Mayor’s budget focuses on the City’s three priorities: more jobs; safer, more vibrant neighborhoods; and better schools and educational opportunities.
Under the “More Jobs” category, there is support for the Rochester Monroe County Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) through the Office of Innovation as well as the Market-Driven Community Cooperative; job training for Operation Transformation Rochester (OTR) graduates; City Business Development Financial Assistance and Neighborhood Commercial Assistance programs; Pathways to Public Safety and Firefighter Trainee Programs; Police and Fire Department recruit classes and the Summer of Opportunity program.

Under the “Better Schools and Educational Opportunities” category, the Mayor will invest in partnerships with the City School District for Literacy Aides in Libraries and R-Centers; increased programming at R-Centers including STEM, literacy and health-focused activities and developmental screening for 3-year-olds; among other initiatives.

Investments in “Safer, More Vibrant Neighborhoods” will be made in the La Marketa, Connected Communities and Bulls Head developments; Police and Fire Department recruit classes; Police Department facilities; Pathways to Peace program; Roofing Replacement program; Emergency Assistance and Targeted Housing Repair programs; vacant and abandoned structure demolition program; and operation of Durand Eastman Beach.
The budget also allows for the city to seek innovation and efficiency gains through continued work with the Democracy Collaborative to create a Market Driven Community Cooperative and a transition to single-stream recycling citywide.

The budget process began with a $41.2 million budget gap. The gap was closed through adjustments to the capital program; departmental reductions and efficiencies; fuel and utility savings; and savings in retirement cost partially offset by an increase in health care costs.

The City used revenues from its fund balance; additional unrestricted aid from New York State; property taxes and fees; the use of the Health Care Rate Stabilization Fund; additional revenue from delinquent taxes and penalties; the sale of real property; additional use of the Premium and Interest Fund; increased fine and forfeiture revenue; increased PILOT revenue; and others to close the gap.

The Mayor said that state aid is not recurring and that the City continues to face financial challenges. “We are reclaiming our city by investing in our neighborhoods, police and fire departments, in our children through our R-Centers and libraries and our future by expanding single stream recycling,” the Mayor said. “All while ensuring that a typical homeowner sees a reduction in their taxes.”

Mayor Warren’s proposed budget now goes to City Council for their review. Council will hold hearings on the spending plan and will vote on it at their June 14, 2016 meeting.