New budget includes a 4.45% decreased tax rate, lowest in over 20 years
From Allegany County NY,
Belmont, N.Y. – On December 17, 2025, the Allegany County Board of Legislators voted unanimously to enact their Annual Budget for 2026. The estimated county-wide tax rate of $12.2056/thousand represents a 4.45 percent decrease in the rate from 2025, and the lowest taxable rate per thousand in Allegany County since 2004.
Overall appropriations total $160 million, an increase of $6.35 million from 2025’s enacted budget. According to County Administrator and Budget Officer Carissa Knapp, the increased spending can be attributed largely to personnel costs, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and contractual salary increases. Additional cost drivers exist across County operations, with significant fiscal constraints being felt in road and bridge construction and equipment purchasing.
Board Chairman Brooke Harris noted, “The approved 2026 tax levy of $31,693,426 represents a 1.83 percent ($570,502) increase over the 2025 budget. This meets the Board’s goal of staying below the statutory 2 percent tax cap while maintaining vital programs and services. We’d like to thank those members of the public who took the time to provide comments on both the tax cap override local law and the 2026 tentative budget. I hope this enacted budget demonstrates the Board’s continued commitment to lowering property taxes and easing the burden on Allegany County taxpayers.”
