Clifton Park approves no property tax increase in 2025 budget

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Clifton Park has approved the $22 million 2025 budget, which projects no property tax increases. Town officials said the budget doesn't use unassigned fund balances or saved money from years past to offset the spending plan.

The budget doesn't account for union employees' increased cost of living because of ongoing contract negotiations between Clifton Park and the labor union Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Once negotiations are complete, the overall budget could require adjustments to the general fund and highway department's budget.

The budget won't reach the town's tax cap limitation. In 2023, the Office of the New York State Comptroller ranked Clifton Park 911 of 933, meaning the town's value ranking is one of the best in the state for being a low-cost place to live and do business.

As for community investments, the budget supports maintaining and improving infrastructure, the yard waste pick-up program, EMS services, and community programs. One area of improvement is the Clifton Park Senior Community Center membership numbers, which officials hope will expand offerings of activities, classes, informational sessions, and more.

The highway department's budget presents a 3.55% increase compared to 2024, amounting to $7,410,739. For a $300,00 home in town, the highway tax is $36.39, and the EMS tax is $396.56.

Projects for 2025 include investing in highway vehicles and equipment, road repairs, sanitary sewer maintenance, and stormwater management. Officials said the budget equips the town to manage the cost of operating in addition to services for residents.