RENSSELAER COUNTY MAKING HISTORIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN REDUCING PROPERTY TAXES, IMPROVING SERVICES, MODERNIZING FACILITIES, ATTRACTING INVESTMENT AND PROTECTING FREEDOM AND QUALITY OF LIFE
RENSSELAER COUNTY MAKING HISTORIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN REDUCING PROPERTY TAXES, IMPROVING SERVICES, MODERNIZING FACILITIES, ATTRACTING INVESTMENT AND PROTECTING FREEDOM AND QUALITY OF LIFE, COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE MCLAUGHLIN SAYS IN 2024 STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin delivered a strong State of the County for 2024 that recognized historic achievements in the county for taxpayers, improved services and protection of freedom and quality of life.
McLaughlin delivered the annual address to the Rensselaer County Legislature on Tuesday in the new legislative chambers at 99 Troy Road in East Greenbush, leading legislators in a moment of silence for Casey Frankoski. Casey was killed last week in a helicopter crash while patrolling the Texas-Mexico border with the National Guard.
The SOTC was the second delivered at county offices at 99 Troy Road in East Greenbush, a centerpiece of the Reimagine Rensselaer County Facilities project initiated by McLaughlin with support from the Legislature to modernize county facilities. The Reimagine project has included establishing county offices at 99 Troy Road, renovation of the County Office Building in downtown Troy to house Social Services, Health, Mental Health, Employment and Training and other offices, and established an independent location for the county Probation department.
Reimagine has also included construction of a second DMV, renovation of the DMV location in Troy, development of a new senior center in Troy, start of work on senior centers in Hoosick and Rensselaer-Albany, and an improved Highway garage in Cropseyville.
The county has also become known across the state as a leader in reducing county property taxes, with six consecutive budgets by McLaughlin lowering county property taxes by a combined 37 percent.
“Five times this body has unanimously voted for county budgets introduced by me, sending a message of support and unity that transcends partisanship and pettiness in these often-troubled times,” said McLaughlin.
“This budgetary work is historic: The property tax rate in Rensselaer County has been reduced by 37 percent during the past six budgets. That includes our latest reduction, a 10 percent reduction in the county property tax rate delivered with my budget for the current 2024 fiscal year.
“What is the real effect today of these accumulated property tax reductions? Consider this: County taxpayers now pay a rate comparable to almost 25 years ago. The average county property tax rate in 2024 of $3.85 per thousand is equivalent to the amount paid by county taxpayers in the mid-1990s,” he added.
The county’s reductions in taxes have generated investment and growth in the county, with Rensselaer County’s property value growing from $14.3 billion in 2023 to $15.8 billion in 2024, an increase of $1.5 billion.
The county is also seeing record performance in sales tax and retail activity in the county, continuing a trend set several years ago when McLaughlin took office.
“Just two years ago, our county crossed the $100 million mark for the first time in amount of sales tax generated, and we continue to perform above the $100 million level. In fact, our county set a record for sales tax growth in 2022, with the revenues in the county growing by nearly 11 percent over the previous year. Rensselaer County received a record $122 million in sales tax revenues in 2022, a significant increase over the $110 million received by the county in 2021. The 2022 numbers marked the second time the county has received over $100 million in sales tax revenues,” McLaughlin said.
“I am proud to announce that we set a new record for 2023, with Rensselaer County earning $125 million in sales tax revenues. That continues our impressive trend of growth and represents over $25 million in new growth in just three years,” he announced.
The county has earned a series of positive independent audits, record-high bond ratings and unprecedented earnings for interest income. Along with the county property tax reductions, the investments for the Reimagine project are paying dividends in terms of more convenience and access for residents, and a reduced reliance on rented space.
“The work in the Reimagine project to renovate the County Office Building in downtown Troy is significant and foundational. One of our largest workforces from the Department of Social Services for generations was forced to rely on rented space, resulting in frequent moves and operational instability. In no way should our mission of aiding those less fortunate be considered as temporary, yet for decades our DSS did not have a home they could call their own,” said McLaughlin.
“All these departments now have a new chapter beginning, in property owned and substantially improved by the county, ensuring a stable platform for services and access. Rensselaer County no longer relies on rented or borrowed space for these departments, ending the practice of services being provided from areas ill-equipped or less than accessible to the people we serve,” said McLaughlin.
“With much of the work completed, we can begin to look at the benefits of the Reimagine Rensselaer County project. The image and presentation of our county has improved significantly, with residents seeing a more professional, accessible and friendly environment. A second county DMV at 99 Troy Road is a success, attracting many residents from our county and three other area counties. The new DMV in East Greenbush joins the renovated, improved and reopened DMV on the first floor of the County Office Building in Troy, which has a loyal following from residents of multiple counties,” he continued.
County roads continue to be improved, with 255 miles of county roads paved during the past six years. The county has a 330-mile county road network and the service is important to residents and businesses.
“During the past six years, we have paved 255 miles of county roads out of the 330-mile county road network. By the time my second term has ended, we will have paved every mile of the county road network. Add that to over 40 miles of roads we have partnered with local governments, adding up to an unprecedented investment in county and local roads made by my administration,” said McLaughlin.
“We love hearing from motorists that they know they have reached Rensselaer County because the quality of roads has improved,” he added.
The work to improve county facilities, improve roads and reduce county property taxes is being accompanied by historic investments in extension of water and sewer infrastructure. Much of the funding for the infrastructure expansion comes from federal ARPA funds. One project will extend water and sewer lines for seven miles on US 9 in Schodack, from the Routes 9 & 20 split to the Columbia County border. The county is also extending infrastructure on Route 4 in North Greenbush and on Route 66 in Poestenkill. The projects all involve partnerships between the county and local governments.
Along with the ARPA funds, last week the county learned of a $2.5 million grant for infrastructure improvements in Schodack awarded by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
“Rensselaer County is making major investments in our facilities and infrastructure that strengthen our commitment to residents and quality of life and to fulfill our potential and mission of greatness. In fact, these investments are more than major – they are in many ways unprecedented for a county that has often seen a lack of infrastructure become an obstacle to growth and advancement.
“Those obstacles are getting erased and opportunity is being embraced in unprecedented ways.”
“When combined with the seven miles of infrastructure on US 9, a joint project to extend infrastructure on Route 4, and the Poestenkill project, our county will have extended nearly 10 miles of water and sewer service. That is transformative and will have long-standing benefit for residents today and tomorrow,” added McLaughlin.
Along with the infrastructure improvements, the county is also readying a project to update the Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home. The Manor was opened over 25 years ago and has set a standard for resident care in the region.
“For a facility like the Manor, 25 years is several lifetimes. To ensure a continuation of service and the same quality of care the Manor has become known for so many across our county improvements are needed,” said McLaughlin.
“We stood up to protect the Manor during the pandemic and we will continue to stand up for the Manor with plans for comprehensive improvements and modernization that will help comfort and care for residents at the Manor,” he said.
McLaughlin asked legislators and residents to remember the service and sacrifice of Casey Frankoski and those killed in the helicopter crash last week. The crash also critically injured Jacob Pratt of Rensselaer.
“Rensselaer County has vowed to never forget the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. We collectively hold Casey and her family close as we recognize her service and their sacrifice. Casey Frankoski represents the best of our county and the very values and ideals and the highest standards of public service we strive for every day in Rensselaer County. We mourn her loss but gain inspiration from a young life of meaning and purpose and service. God speed Casey Frankoski,” said McLaughlin.