2025 Budget Analysis

One of the primary jobs of a Broome County Legislator is to analyze the annual budget and decide what to approve and what to send back to the administration for further refinement. As a business owner and tax payer, I take this job very seriously. Below is my own high-level analysis of Broome County's 823 page budget. Once you've read this page, please consider answering my 2025 Survey.

2025 Broome County Budget is $500 million

Broome County government is legally-obligated to have a balanced operating budget. Any expense it incurs must have revenue to back it up. Below is a breakdown of where Broome County spends its money and where that money comes form.

2025 Expenses

2025 Budget Expenses

# 1   General Government          $ 131.1m
Everything from office supplies to salaries
# 2   Public Assistance        $ 129.4m
State & Federal law mandates benefits. The County administers it as efficiently and as effectively as possible
# 3   Public Safety          $ 72.4m
Road patrols, investigations, prosecutions, etc.
# 4   Other          $ 68.7m
A huge number of diverse functions & programs
# 5   Health           $ 57.9m
Public health programs ranging from lead remediation to municipal water testing
# 6   Transportation          $ 40.0m
BC Transit, BGM Airport, and other programs

2025 Revenue

2025 Budget Revenue

# 1   Departmental Income          $ 129.7m
Sales of services, such as landfill tipping fees, civil service exams, nursing home residents, and much more
# 2   Sales Tax          $ 119.1m
BC’s portion of the 8% NYS sales tax you pay locally
# 3   Property Tax          $ 74.5m
BC’s portion of your annual Town & County local tax bill
# 4   Other          $ 69.8m
Interest income and many other things
# 5   Federal Aid          $ 59.4m
Federal grants
# 6   State Aid          $ 47.0m
State grants

Budget Highlights

Property Tax Decrease

For the sixth consecutive year, Broome County is cutting property taxes. The 2025 budget includes a 0.3% reduction in property tax rates, reflecting our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and easing the burden on taxpayers. The number one reason we can do this is because sales tax revenue continues to expand in Broome County.

Bond Rating Increase

Broome County’s external auditors have given us high marks and our bond rating shows it! Moody’s recently upgraded Broome to A1 status, which reduces financing costs on new capital projects.

Eliminating Short-Term Borrowing

Broome County has significantly reduced its reliance on short-term borrowing, a key indicator of strong fiscal management. At its peak, the county borrowed over $20 million annually to cover expenses until tax revenues were received. With careful budgeting, building up reserves, and improving cash management, short-term borrowing has been eliminated entirely in recent years.

Public Safety Increases

This year’s budget invests an additional $2 million in the Sheriff’s Office, which will fund critical resources for road patrols and investigations. The budget also introduces “fly cars” for emergency medical response, helping reduce ambulance wait times and easing the strain on emergency services.

Infrastructure Improvements

Key projects in 2025 include renovations at Grippen Park and the development of a Veterans Service Center in Binghamton. Additionally, nearly $2 million has been allocated for the demolition of the old IBM facility in Endicott, a long-overdue project that is paving the way for new opportunities.

Public Health Initiatives

The 2025 budget prioritizes community health by increasing funding to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier by 33%, expanding access to essential food resources for residents in need. Additionally, $1.2 million from the Opioid Settlement Fund will support treatment, recovery, and education programs, contributing to a 36% decrease in suspected fatal overdoses over the past two years.

Executive Summary

The 2025 Broome County Budget focuses on continued investment in economic development, public safety, infrastructure, housing, and essential services while maintaining fiscal responsibility and reducing the property tax rate for the eighth consecutive year. The total budget is $499.5 million. Key allocations include support for small businesses, workforce development, housing initiatives, and emergency services, along with major investments in parks, infrastructure, and healthcare. Below is a list of key budget points:

1. Property Taxes & Fiscal Responsibility

The property tax rate is decreasing again, totaling a 24% reduction since 2017.
The total property tax levy is $75.2 million, a 4.19% increase from 2024.
The county continues to focus on economic growth and government efficiency while keeping tax burdens low.

2. Economic Development & Housing

$5 million allocated for an Economic Development and Housing Fund to promote growth and affordability.
The Small Business Grant Program continues supporting post-pandemic recovery.
Continued investment in housing projects such as CMS Monarch in Endwell and Regan Development in Johnson City.
Unemployment in Broome County has fallen below 4%, with strong sales tax revenues.

3. Infrastructure & Public Works

Over 300 miles of road improvements completed in the past four years, with more planned.
New LED lights at Otsiningo Park, Courthouse upgrades, and enhanced flood resilience projects.
The En-Joie Golf Course irrigation system needs a multi-million-dollar replacement; the county proposes taking ownership from the Village of Endicott to relieve tax burdens.
Demolition of old IBM buildings at the Phoenix Campus to support economic expansion.

4. Public Safety & Emergency Services

$2 million additional funding for the Sheriff’s Office, including:
- A new STOP-DWI program with an added deputy.
- 2 new canine units.
- 3 new correction officers for a work program.
- Crime decreased 6% in 2023.
4 new emergency dispatchers added and an increase in pay to attract and retain personnel.
New emergency response vehicles to reduce non-essential ambulance trips.
$1.2 million allocated from the Opioid Settlement Fund to combat overdoses (fatal overdoses have dropped 36% in two years).

5. Community Services & Quality of Life

Parks & Recreation:
- Grippen Park revitalization with ice skating, pickleball, basketball, and a wiffle ball stadium.
- SUNY Broome investment to attract and retain students.
- Festival funding increased for Spiedie Fest, Beach Bash, and Winterfest.
- Crime Victims Memorial project underway.
Support for Veterans:
- New Veterans Resource Center & Tiny Homes opening in 2025.
- Free tickets to local sports events for veterans.
- Expanded farmers’ market coupons and nutrition programs.

6. Healthcare & Social Services

33% increase in funding for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.
Mental health services expanded, with a new acting commissioner and restructured focus.
Youth Diversionary Intervention Program established for at-risk youth aged 16-21.
Broome County selected as a host site for a 2025 military-run free health & dental care program.

7. Workforce & Government Efficiency

271 position upgrades totaling $3.9 million in investments.
Integration of the Purchasing Department into the Office of Management & Budget to reduce redundancies.
New electronic budgeting system to improve financial tracking and transparency.

Final Summary
The 2025 Broome County Budget demonstrates a balanced approach to fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and public investment. The county continues to cut taxes, invest in infrastructure, expand public safety resources, and improve the quality of life for residents—all while positioning itself for future growth and stability.

Budget Documents

Having access to the original budget documents is important. You can always find these on the Broome County website.

Broome County's 2025 Adopted Budget (PDF)
   This is the document that this page is based on.

Broome County's 2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (PDF)
   This document outlines Broome County's long-term capital projects.

Broome County's 2025 Budget Address (PDF)
   Budget address given by County Executive Jason Garnar gave on Sept 12, 2024