Write a commentCity of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow has proposed his 2021 City operating budget to the Oswego Common Council, his fifth budget as Mayor.
Mayor Barlow’s $45,659,295 budget, for the second consecutive year, holds the line on taxes, calling for no increases to any taxes or fees and does not use any of the City’s general fund to balance the budget. In 2019, Barlow and the Oswego Common Council enacted a 2.2% decrease in taxes, lowering the tax rate to $15.28 per one thousand dollars in assessed value, where it remains today. In early 2019, the city also lowered the annual sewer bill for city residents by $200.
Highlights of Mayor Barlow’s 2021 Proposed Budget Include:
- No tax or fee increases
- No use of the general reserve or “rainy day” fund
- Continued investment in City buildings and equipment
- $50,000 in code enforcement remediation funding
- $50,000 for technology upgrades
- $63,500 for tourism initiatives
“The proposed 2021 operating budget is consistent with our first four budgets by continuing our investment into city infrastructure and equipment, allocating the proper resources to revitalizing our downtown and neighborhoods, focusing on our parks and waterfront, and ensuring we deliver the quality services our residents expect with no increase in cost,” said Mayor Billy Barlow. “Despite the challenges associated with COVID-19 pandemic, we are responsibly managing our finances, continuing to invest where we must, reducing costs where we can and crafting the 2021 operating budget in a way that ensures continued progress as we make Oswego a better place to live, work and raise a family. At this time, given the difficulties we all face, a tax increase would only worsen the situation for our residents, small business owners and our local economy, so I am proud to submit a budget that holds the line on taxes and ensures continued progress for our community,” Barlow said.
The Oswego Common Council will debate on whether to accept this proposed budget or to amend it by resolution. Any amendments made by the Common Council by resolution to increase or decrease appropriations will affect the proposed tax rate and if any increase in the tax levy equals 5% or more, the amended budget must be presented to a public referendum in November per Local Law. Should the amended budget be voted down in the November election, my proposed budget will become, by default, the 2021 Operating Budget. The Council is expected to vote on the proposed budget during the Common Council meeting scheduled for August 24th.
