Livingston County’s tentative $226 million budget for 2027 would raise the property tax levy 7.7% to approximately $38 million, exceeding the state tax cap as the county faces higher utility, health insurance and service costs.
The tentative budget also would lower the county tax rate 24% to $5.45 per $1,000 of assessed value following a countywide reassessment, according to a county news release. Local property values increased approximately $2 billion in the reassessment.
At the proposed rate, county property taxes would total $545 for every $100,000 of assessed value. The lower rate accompanies a larger overall levy, the total amount the county would collect through property taxes.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposal at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, during its regular meeting at the Geneseo Government Center, 6 Court St., Geneseo.
Rising costs push levy above tax cap
County Administrator Shannon Hillier attributed the proposed levy increase to the growing cost of essential government services, persistent inflation and rising personnel expenses. Utility expenses are projected to climb 50%, while premiums for the county’s self-insured health plan would increase 24.4% in 2027.
The county also cited federal and state unfunded mandates and costs shifting to local government. Its local administrative share for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will increase from 50% to 75% next year, according to the release. Error-rate penalties begin in October 2027, and competency restoration services also are becoming more expensive.
The state property tax cap would limit the county’s 2027 levy increase to roughly $708,000. The county said it plans to override the cap to support the proposed budget, arguing that staying within the limit would significantly affect services and operations.
Hillier said the override reflects rising costs across county government rather than any single expense, program or initiative. Spending growth is projected to outpace revenue from sources other than property taxes, Hillier said.
“A 7.7% increase in the tax levy is necessary to adopt a balanced budget that continues to support the level of services expected by County residents,” Hillier said.
Broadband, buildings and senior services in spending plan
The proposal would continue support for public safety, social services, public health, infrastructure and other county operations. Hillier described it as a balanced plan addressing current needs while preparing for future challenges.
Projects identified among the board’s priorities include a shared storage building at the Hampton Corners complex, the final phases of the Light Up Livingston broadband expansion, replacement of aging building infrastructure and a new senior site on the Murray Hill campus.
The budget also would continue funding nonprofit community partners, including the OWWL Library System, Livingston County Historical Society, Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, Chances and Changes, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Residents can review the tentative budget before the Nov. 12 public hearing, when supervisors will take comments on the proposed spending plan.
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