Rensselaer County’s 2026 budget proposal, introduced by County Executive Steve McLaughlin, was unanimously approved by the county legislature at a special meeting. The new budget includes a property tax rate reduction of just over nine percent, marking the eighth consecutive year of tax cuts for county residents.
According to McLaughlin, these reductions bring the total decrease in property tax rates during his tenure to nearly 50 percent. In 2018, when McLaughlin first took office, the property tax rate was $5.85 per $1,000; for 2026 it will be lowered to $3.23.
“This is a budget that saves taxpayer’s money, protects needed services and builds for the future, which helped earn the unanimous support this evening,” said McLaughlin.
“We are proud of our record and the fact that all eight of my budgets have included a reduction in the county property tax rate. The 9.1 percent reduction included in the county property tax rate saves county taxpayers more money and will help attract more investment and interest in our county,” he added.
McLaughlin also stated: “We believe our county tax rate reduction for 2026 is the biggest in the region and throughout upstate. When coupled with the 40 percent in property tax rate reductions during the previous seven years, our combined property tax rate reductions from budgets 2019 through 2026 will total nearly 50 percent, with 49 percent reductions during that time. That is important work and a record we take pride in.”
During these eight years of successive cuts, Rensselaer County has also seen increased economic activity on several fronts such as sales tax revenue growth and rising overall assessed value. Sales tax revenues rose from just under $89 million in 2018 to $125.2 million in 2024.
“Our sales tax numbers continue to be strong and show more and more are coming to our county to shop and to invest. The work done in our budgets helps create an environment for positive growth and investment in many sectors,” said McLaughlin.
He further noted: “We have seen major and consistent growth. The first year of my administration in 2018 saw sales tax revenues at just under $89 million. Now, sales tax revenues for 2024 were at $125.2 million and growing in 2025.”
The overall assessed value of Rensselaer County has increased as well—from $11 billion when McLaughlin began his term to an estimated $19.2 billion projected for fiscal year 2026.
“Currently, the overall value as a county is be rated at $19.2 billion, an increase of nearly two billion from the $17.4 billion in 2024. Comparatively in 2018, during the first year of my administration, the overall value of Rensselaer County was $11 billion,” he said.
Despite these gains, mandated expenses imposed by state requirements have risen sharply over recent years—growing from $155 million in mandate expenses during fiscal year 2023 up to an expected $183 million for fiscal year 2026.
“Like every county, we have seen the cost of mandates increase substantially in recent years. In 2023, our mandate expense was $155 million, increasing $166 million in 2024. For the 2025 fiscal year we expect the cost of mandates will increase to $173 million. For 2026 we forecast another increase for mandates of nearly $10 million to $183 million,” said McLaughlin.
He continued: “Those numbers are unfair to taxpayers and local governments working to ensure needed services are delivered. The Governor and Albany need to address these issues and provide at least some measure of mandate relief.”
The financial standing of Rensselaer County has been affirmed by positive independent audits—including reviews from New York State Comptroller—and record-high bond ratings such as Aa3 from Moody’s Investors Service and AA Stable from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.
“The strong independent audit has been accompanied by our county earning perfect stress scores in previous years following a review of county finances by the Office of State Comptroller’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring Report… In 2024 we again earned a ‘no designation’ ranking… I can also report our fiscal stress score as awarded by State Comptroller remains very low,” reported McLaughlin.
“Our county has earned our highest ever bond ratings… including an Aa3 rating from Moody’s and AA Stable from Standard & Poor,” he added.
Alongside its annual budgets focused on lowering taxes while maintaining or improving services—such as modernizing facilities under initiatives like Reimagine Rensselaer County Facilities—the government completed or advanced projects including relocating executive offices; consolidating human services into owned rather than rented space; improving senior centers; moving departments into upgraded buildings; completing emergency training facilities; renovating highway garages; planning improvements at Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home; reopening Knickerbacker Ice Arena with City of Troy partnership; among others.
“Thanks to our budget team, our department heads and our Executive staff for their hard work and careful management during budget process,” concluded McLaughlin.”This team has produced great results,and strong partnership with County Legislature helped produce an outstanding [budget] for residents.”
