Broome County Legislature passes 2026 budget

BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. (WBNG) -- Broome County has a budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

It reestablishes the Broome County Youth Bureau, which is a dedicated department for youth development and engagement. The county has not had a youth bureau in 15 years.

This is also the seventh consecutive year that residents and businesses will receive a property tax rate cut.

The budget will also expand the county’s Mobile Crisis Program to help with mental health, and allocate $500,000 to the Small Community Fund. That money supports local infrastructure and projects to improve neighborhoods.

In a post shared on Facebook, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar described the hard work lawmakers have done to keep their budget on record with their goals.

“This year’s budget continues our record of fiscal responsibility, lowering costs for taxpayers while making smart, targeted investments that strengthen our communities and support residents in every corner of Broome County,” Garnar said.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar also released a statement on the passing of the budget, saying he is grateful for the support of their association in this year’s budget.

“A heartfelt thank you to the members Broome County Legislature from both sides of the political aisle who came together tonight to approve the 2026 Broome County Budget.

Our leadership at the local level chose to rise above the misinformation and repeated lies of a few and voted in support of the men and women of law enforcement who serve and protect the families of Broome County every day. Every day, they do exceptional work both in our community and in the Correctional Facility and this budget reflects that,“ said Sheriff Akshar.

Now, the budget will go to the county executive’s desk.