FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2021
Common Council
Approves 2022 Adopted Budget
KINGSTON, NY –Mayor Steven T. Noble’s 2022
Recommended Budget was adopted as amended by Kingston’s Common Council on
Tuesday night. The total 2022 General Fund budget is $46,721,659.
Under the 2022 Adopted Budget, the tax
levy will remain frozen at $17,650,940 with a 0% increase for the seventh year
in a row. Tax rates continue to decline for the sixth consecutive year for
homestead (from $8.98 to $8.82 per $1,000 of assessed value), and non-homestead
(from $14.24 to $14.14 per $1,000 of assessed value). From 2016, the homestead
has decreased $1.34, which is 13.2% reduction. The decrease in non-homestead
from 2016 is $4.17, which is a 22.8% reduction.
The 2022 Adopted Budget increases
essential services for the community with the addition of 22 full-time City
staff. The positions will be added across many City departments, including
three new police officers, five new DPW staff, 4 additional Parks &
Recreation employees, and four project managers.
In addition to the robust staff increase,
the budget includes funding to support Mayor Noble’s Retention and Recruitment
Plan for attracting and retaining qualified candidates for City positions.
Also included in the budget are major
investment in capital projects and equipment. Infrastructure projects moving
forward in 2022 include: Wilbur Ave. paving, Franklin Street Complete Streets,
Henry Street Safe Routes to Schools, DRI Uptown Transportation Improvements,
Andy Murphy Center Rooftop Solar Installation, Midtown Parking Lots Green
Infrastructure, Hasbrouck CSO Reduction, and the Midtown Sewer Replacement
Project.
The budget allows for $1.5 million in
equipment, including four police vehicles, in-car video systems and a Narcotics
Analyzer for the Kingston Police Department; a snow blower, dump truck, swap
loader, and refuse packer for the Public Works Department; a hybrid vehicle for
the Building Department and more major equipment investments.
“The 2022 budget will support rebuilding
in the City of Kingston – not only with vital infrastructure and important
projects like the massive renovations at Dietz Stadium, but by supporting our
current City staff, who worked bravely through the pandemic. This budget will
help us recruit qualified candidates across all of our departments. With
additional staff, we will be increasing the services that we provide to our
residents. From trash collection to building permits, the people of Kingston
will see a notable increase in essential services,” said Mayor Noble. “I want
to thank our Comptroller John Tuey for his expert guidance during this lengthy
process, and to the Common Council for their diligence in reviewing the budget
and thoughtful process of protecting taxpayer dollars.”
To view Mayor Noble’s 2022 Proposed Budget
and presentation, visit https://kingston-ny.gov/budget2022.