Picente Proposes No Increase to Oneida County Property Tax Levy in 2027 Budget

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today presented his 2027 operating budget and capital plan to the Oneida County Board of Legislators, proposing no increase to the County property tax levy while continuing strategic investments in the community’s future.

The proposed operating budget totals just over $577 million, while the capital plan retires nearly $19 million in existing debt and calls for approximately $17.9 million in new borrowing.

“This budget is about making the hard choices necessary to keep Oneida County moving forward while protecting taxpayers and investing in our future,” Picente said. “We have kept the property tax levy flat, continued to reduce the tax rate and made the investments necessary to grow our economy, improve our infrastructure, address housing and provide the critical services our residents depend on.”

Since 2013, the County’s tax rate on full valuation has fallen from $7.06 per $1,000 of market value to a proposed $3.95 in 2027, a decrease of more than 6% from the 2026 rate of $4.21. During the same period, total taxable property value in Oneida County has grown from just over $10 billion to nearly $21 billion.

Housing remains a major priority in the proposed budget as the County works toward its goal of creating 6,000 new housing units by 2040. Picente announced plans to establish a housing division within the County Planning Department and included $2 million in a restricted fund to implement recommendations developed by the County’s newly-formed housing team in early 2027.

The County will also continue investments in critical infrastructure and core services, including $27 million for the Water Pollution Plant, $24 million for the County Road Fund and $15 million for economic development. The budget sustains support for community partners including Cornell Cooperative Extension, Mohawk Valley EDGE, local humane societies, libraries and Mohawk Valley Community College.

The proposal addresses continued cost pressures, including state and federal mandates, higher fuel, equipment and utility costs and the County’s growing responsibilities for programs such as SNAP and HEAP. The budget also includes reductions of up to 12% for certain outside agencies as the County works to control costs while maintaining essential services. Discretionary spending is down $200,000 from 2026.

“This is my 20th budget, and the lesson that experience has taught me is that progress comes from making the hard choices and keeping our focus on the future,” Picente said. “The Oneida County of today is stronger and more fiscally sound than it was 20 years ago because we chose to invest, grow and move forward. This budget continues that work.”

The proposed 2027 budget and capital plan will now undergo review by the Board of Legislators in the coming weeks. Picente said his administration will work closely with the Board throughout the review process.

“There are challenges ahead, but the path forward has never been brighter,” Picente said. “We will continue to face those challenges head on and build on the progress we have made together.”

The 2027 budget address can be read in its entirety here.

The 2027 budget proposal can be reviewed here.