NEW ROCHELLE, NY (November 4, 2022) — New Rochelle City Manager Charles Strome III today released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023. It will be his last as he his last day in office is December 31, 2022.
New Rochelle City Manager Charles B. Strome III Announces Retirement
In summary, the $266.5 million budget provides a balanced budget while maintaining service levels. This budget takes the steps necessary to adjust to the dramatic change of economic conditions caused by the Coronavirus. The proposed tax rate increase of 1.82% is in compliance with New York State tax cap legislation. The average homeowner will see an increase of $72, equating to approximately $6 per month.
“This budget cautiously takes steps to return to pre-pandemic levels of revenue and expenditures to maintain the levels of service for our residents,” said City Manager Strome.
The 2023 budget continues funding the newly-established positions in the Police Department that were added during the 2023 year, adds 9 additional police officers and increases professional development and community engagement in the Police Department. Fire Department minimum manning is increased to 34 firefighters through the addition of 5 firefighter positions. The City’s infrastructure will be supported with sanitary sewer and storm drain enhancements, and the continuation of a revised 10-year Capital Plan. Economic development will progress with DRI-funded projects and Complete Streets, and critical technology upgrades will support document management and policing.
Union contractual obligations for employee salaries, health insurance and pension increases account for the remainder of the rise in expenses included in the proposed budget. These increases will be funded by tax revenue, fees, grant funding and anticipated increases in one-time revenue streams generated from the City’s development program.
“All governments and most businesses and households were impacted by the financial adversity caused by the pandemic,” Strome concluded. “However, all economic indicators for the City show we are rebounding to pre-COVID-19 conditions.”
Copies of the proposed budget are available in the City Clerk’s office, at the New Rochelle Public Library and on the City’s website www.newrochelleny.com. The City Council will conduct budget review meetings in November and December and hold a public hearing on December 12th in advance of the adoption of a tax rate in December.
