The Albany County Legislature adopted the County's spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The 2024 budget focuses on providing social and economic relief following the pandemic's disruption, while delivering tangible solutions, enhancing economic development and supporting groups that have been historically disinvested. The 2024 Budget creates a framework to ensure a safe and thriving County, while providing relief to taxpayers.
On October 9th, County Executive Daniel P. McCoy presented his budget proposal totaling nearly $819.9 million to the Legislature. Soon after, the Legislature got to work, taking a close look at County operations, including where there is room to grow County support and services. There is resounding confidence felt by the Legislative body that the budget priorities for 2024 echo the initiatives and measures that the Legislature is determined to continue championing for all in Albany County.
In this budget, the Legislature's key focuses included prioritizing restoration efforts and focusing attention on groups that have been historically disinvested such as those who are experiencing homelessness, the county's aging population and veterans in need of extra support.
Providing for vulnerable communities that contribute greatly to the value of the county was a big goal of the Legislature this year. As such, they established the March on Program, which will broaden accessible mental health and supportive opportunities for veterans.
Albany County welcomed newcomers to the area this year, eager to join the community and contribute to society and their new neighborhoods. The Legislature invested $100,000 for an asylee transportation and workforce development program meant to help ease the burdens of getting to and from work.
Also included was $20,000 for a study to look at the expansion of County operated daycares to further expand childcare options.
The members of the Legislature also prioritized taking care of those who took care of all of us by doubling the amount of funding for transportation access that our aging population will benefit from.
Albany County is still recovering from the difficulties brought on by the pandemic, therefore increased efforts have been made to get small businesses and local organizations back on their feet and standing tall. $400,000 will go towards strengthening our economic landscape through the Advance Albany County Alliance to spur growth, real property improvement, increase employment and retain a robust workforce. This effort ensures that Albany County's businesses are booming and markets are advancing.
As youth programming is an ongoing priority and often overlooked, one of the various adjustments and programmatic additions made by the Legislature was including after school program funding for youth. In that vein, the Legislature has ensured that the Community Development, Public Health and Safety Fund will continue providing funding for after-school programming that puts children and young students first, workforce development programs, and other public health and safety initiatives.
$3,000,000 has been invested into funding the Albany County Improvement Initiative that will help the Legislature to take collective action on issues that are important to the community. This includes development initiatives that enhance the quality of life of residents and provide for local on the ground organizations.
The Legislature is grateful for the leadership and innovative efforts of countywide officials, the county executive, sheriff and comptroller who have not only fulfilled their responsibilities with determination and commitment but have also contributed to the community in a number of ways that aren't always recognized.
As such, these three countywide officials will receive a 12 percent raise, as proposed in County Executive Dan McCoy's 2024 budget as well as an additional 4 percent in 2025. While Legislators will receive a one-time 12 percent raise.
There is no shortage of extra support and efforts made by these individuals and by our Legislative body as a whole.
Of course, we are looking to the future in this budget as well, which is why we have invested $250,000 in funding towards land conservation and nature preserve efforts. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren grow up in a clean, healthy and thriving environment.
Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce
"The Legislature is committing to identifying and addressing community and neighborhood issues that are often overlooked but are deserving of our careful attention. Through the adoption of this budget and the work we put into crafting it, we will be supporting our veterans by
ensuring they can access crucial mental health resources and services, bolstering transportation services for newcomers to the county to aid in workforce development opportunities and increasing support of our senior and youth populations. To aid in ongoing pandemic recovery efforts needed countywide, we also included more funding opportunities meant to help our workforce and economy recover and thrive. I'm proud of what we have put forth and certain that this will lay a foundation of promise, strength and resilience for the whole of Albany County."
Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham
"As the Chair of Audit and Finance, I want to express deep gratitude to our dedicated team, County Executive Dan McCoy, Albany County Legislator Chairman Andrew Joyce, and my colleagues on the Audit and Finance Committee for their crucial collaboration in shaping our 2024 Albany County financial plan. In the coming year, we are rolling out new workforce development initiatives, emphasizing our commitment to community development, youth programming, veteran support services, and affordable housing investments. These efforts are key to securing a thriving future for Albany County residents, and I look forward to the successful realization of these impactful initiatives in the coming year."
Majority Leader Dennis Feeney
"This balanced budget represents our ongoing commitment to move Albany County forward while ensuring financial stability. As Majority Leader, it's important to me that the needs of the county are heard and answered. We have created a framework to grow community investment, supplement senior and youth programming, and continue efforts to grow Albany County's green footprint. I thank Chairman Andrew Joyce, my fellow Legislators and County Executive McCoy for their steadfast leadership and dedication in this endeavor as we continue to put Albany County residents first."
