OSWEGO – Mayor Billy Barlow announced last night the Oswego Common Council unanimously approved a $45,659,295 budget for the City of Oswego, making one cost neutral amendment to his 2021 executive budget he proposed two weeks ago.
The 2021 city budget 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.
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.
“I’d like to thank the Common Council for supporting my 2021 proposed budget and for their continued support of our direction, goals and future plans,” Barlow said. “Together, we’ve lowered the cost of living for our residents, responsibly invested in our community and have made significant progress in a relatively short period of time. Our 2021 budget positions city government to build on our success without raising the cost, for the third year in a row, to our residents. 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 pass a budget that holds the line on taxes and ensures continued progress for our community.”
Council President Rob Corradino offered the only amendment to the mayor’s proposed budget – a $10,000 allotment to be used to improve the Legend’s Fields Sports Complex, an athletic facility in Oswego used to host softball and baseball tournaments.
The $10,000 increase was offset by a $10,000 reduction in personnel salaries as individuals continue taking advantage of a retirement incentive offered by the City of Oswego earlier this year.
“Mayor Barlow, department heads and all city employees should be commended for proposing a budget for 2021 that does not raise taxes for a third consecutive year,” Corradino said. “To continue to provide the services and infrastructure improvements that our citizens expect with no tax increase and without using any reserve funds during these challenging times is truly amazing.”
Barlow thanked city department heads, employees, councilors, government partners and city residents for their continued hard work, cooperation and dedication to the Oswego community.
The 2021 city budget, the 5th budget of the Barlow administration, will take effect on January 1, 2021.
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Republicans always focus on taxes, as if citizens don’t pay obscene private taxes due to Republican policies (premiums, deductibles, co-pays, prescription drug costs, medical bills, etc.).
Taxes, taxes, taxes … what about policies? With the tax money collected, the Republican mayor and Republican council are continuing to pour public resources into the police department. The police are moving ahead with militarization, the Drug War, and expanding their occupation of city streets … all while zealously supporting the re-election of the racist and fascist president. Reducing our political discourse to “taxes” is a disservice to the community.