6 issues moved in Schenectady

City Budget Deficit and Financial Planning

The council is moving toward adopting the 2027 budget, and a local law would allow spending beyond the state property tax cap if needed. This could affect next year's property tax bills.

What it means: Could allow property taxes above the state cap in 2027; the roof and sidewalk contracts total roughly $755,000 combined.

Raised 2 times this week

Sidewalk Replacement in Targeted Neighborhoods

CDBG money would fix badly deteriorated sidewalks near small commercial properties on Willow Street, Van Vranken Avenue, Moyston Street, and Fifth Avenue.

What it means: $277,000 base contract, plus an optional $92,069 alternate, mostly CDBG-funded.

Property Tax Cap Override for 2027

New York's tax cap limits how much the city can raise property taxes without special permission. This local law would give the city the option — but not the requirement — to exceed that cap in 2027.

What it means: If adopted, it could allow a property tax levy above the state cap in 2027, potentially meaning higher property tax bills than the cap would otherwise permit.

State Aid and Casino Revenue Advocacy

Two resolutions would have Schenectady formally ask the State for supplemental aid and a fairer casino revenue share with property tax relief — potential offsets to local taxes.

What it means: All city taxpayers if state aid or casino revenue materializes.

Fire Station Roof Replacement

Fire Stations #2 and #4 need new roofs, at a cost of about $385,600. Keeping stations in good shape protects emergency response.

What it means: $385,622 for the roof replacement contract.

2027 Operating Budget Adoption

The council will decide whether to adopt the 2027 budget covering city operations, water, sewer and golf funds, plus water, sewer and solid waste rates for the year. The budget also sets police and fire department staffing levels.

What it means: The budget sets how much the city spends and collects in property taxes, water and sewer rates, and waste fees for all of 2027 — but the exact amounts haven't been finalized in the published drafts.