Monroe County Executive Adam Bello presented his 2026 budget proposal on Nov. 7, a proposal that continues to reduce the property tax rate. He claimed the $1.5 billion proposal is a financial plan with a focus on fiscal stability, protecting taxpayers and investing in public safety and public health initiatives.
In addition to these priorities, Bello mentioned how this plan comes at a wobbly time as changes at the federal level could impact future federal support.
“The proposed 2026 county budget comes at a time of significant uncertainty, unlike anything we have faced in county government in recent years,” Bello said. “With questions surrounding future federal support and potential funding rescissions, every decision we make today must protect Monroe County taxpayers and ensure the County’s long-term stability.”
Some financial highlights of Bello’s proposal include a total spending of $1.57 billion, which is a 1.9% increase over the 2025 budget. The proposal will also bring the property tax rate down by 36 cents, to $5.67 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Over the past six years the Bello administration has reduced the tax rate by $3.12 per thousand or 35%. The 2020 rate was $8.79 per $1,000.
What will the Monroe County 2026 budget fund?
The proposed budget plans to expand investments in public health and substance use prevention with continued funding for the IMPACT Team, 24/7 Opioid Crisis Hotline, community naloxone distribution boxes and the second year of the county’s “Call to Action” public education campaign.
The budget also continues to support working families with an additional $11.2 million going towards daycare services to meet the increased demand and ensure more families have access to reliable childcare.
Other major public safety and emergency response initiatives the budget will fund include:
The Monroe County Legislature is set to consider the spending plan and vote on it during their meeting on Dec. 9.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County proposes $1.5B 2026 budget, cuts property tax rate again
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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