Jamar Cummings

The 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan for the City of Poughkeepsie outlines funded and unfunded capital projects for the upkeep and modernization of City infrastructure, capital equipment, and public buildings. Key goals include ensuring city services, coordinating capital needs with operating budgets, securing grants, and keeping the public informed, while addressing obsolescence and maintenance backlogs through strategic planning.

The meeting focused on the appointment of special counsel for the Agency regarding pending litigation. Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. was appointed to defend the Agency in the Poughkeepsie Waterfront Development, LLC, JM Development Group, LLC v. The City of Poughkeepsie Common Council, the City of Poughkeepsie Industrial Development Agency, and the City of Poughkeepsie case. The Agency was authorized to enter into a $10,000 retainer agreement with the appointed counsel and to take necessary actions to effect the resolution's purposes.

The 2026 Preliminary Budget includes a proposed total appropriation and a General Fund appropriation. The homestead tax rate decreased, while the non-homestead rate increased. The general fund balance remains positive. The budget proposes increases to water and sanitation rates. The sales tax agreement with the County rebalances the distribution of collected state sales taxes. Grant awards were secured to spur increased development across the City while improving infrastructure. The budget also calls for the implementation of a city-wide speed limit reduction, reinforced by increased enforcement mechanisms. The city has worked to eliminate the General Fund deficit and championed new financial policies, but must pay expenses are increasing faster than revenues.

The budget message discusses the 2026 Preliminary Budget, which prioritizes balanced decision-making and fiscal credibility. The homestead tax rate decreased while the non-homestead rate increased due to changes in taxable value and Adjusted Base Proportion. The general fund balance remains positive, and the city's bond ratings have improved. Increases to water and sanitation rates are proposed to mitigate deficits and position the city for growth. A sales tax agreement with the County is showing positive results, and grant funding has been secured for infrastructure improvements. The budget also includes a city-wide speed limit reduction and increased enforcement. The need to exceed the New York State Tax Cap is attributed to rising inflation and non-discretionary expenses.

The meeting of the City of Poughkeepsie Industrial Development Agency was convened to consider and take action on matters pertaining to the payment of invoices presented to the Agency. The resolution approved and authorized the payment of invoices for services and goods provided to the Agency, including administrative fees, postal expenses, accounting services, and payments to Grow America and Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP.