Livingston County Administrator Ian M. Coyle has filed a tentative budget of $226 million for fiscal year 2025, prioritizing essential services, infrastructure, and long-term financial stability. The proposed budget, which outlines an array of projects and funding allocations, will be reviewed at a public hearing on November 20 as part of the Livingston County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Coyle described the budget as “fiscally sound, balanced, and forward-looking,” aligning with the county’s strategic goals. “This budget reflects our commitment to providing the high-quality services our residents rely on while addressing the rising costs of doing business,” Coyle said, highlighting Livingston County’s dedication to efficiency and taxpayer interests.
The budget proposal includes a property tax rate of $6.93 per $1,000 of assessed value, meaning a homeowner with property assessed at $100,000 would pay $693 in county taxes. This tax rate reflects a 4.38% increase, bringing the county’s total tax levy to about $33.85 million. A significant driver of this increase is the county’s Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (CNR), which faced financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After years of self-sustained operation, CNR now requires additional tax support due to rising costs and decreased reserves, even as occupancy levels have returned to 95%.
Coyle noted the county’s strong financial position, with reserves in the General Fund and other accounts exceeding the median for similar counties. Thanks to Livingston County’s “pay-as-you-go” capital improvements policy, large-scale borrowing has been avoided. The 2025 budget also includes a $950,000 contribution to the county’s Capital Improvement Plan to support future infrastructure projects.
Key capital investments include constructing a Veterans Memorial Trail at Al Lorenz Park, establishing a Code Blue warming shelter for the homeless, and improvements to the county’s workers’ compensation program. Additionally, the budget prioritizes the “Light Up Livingston” project, aiming to bring high-speed internet to all county properties by 2026. While this initiative represents a significant expense, it is nearly cost-neutral thanks to federal and state grants.
Sales tax revenue, projected at $46.5 million, remains the county’s largest income source. The budget also supports various community-focused non-profits, including the OWWL Library System, Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, and the Soil and Water Conservation District, alongside other contractual partnerships within the Social Services and Health departments.
Residents can view the tentative 2025 budget on the county administrator’s website. For more details, contact the Livingston County Administrator’s Office at 585-243-7040.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.