Robach Announces 20% Aid Increase To All Towns And Villages In Monroe County

Senator Joe Robach today announced that the 2006-07 state budget agreed upon by the Assembly and Senate includes a $2,939,709 increase in state aid for the city, towns, and villages in Monroe County to help ease the pressure of local property taxes. In addition to the historic 33% increase to the City of Rochester, localities in Monroe County will receive a total increase in state aid of $489,226.

All villages and towns will receive an increase of 20 percent. The budget agreement on local aid was to give cities a significant increase above the Governor's proposal (which was based on property wealth in a community) and add 13% across the board to the Governor's plan.

In addition, the budget will include $25 million in incentive aid for communities that share local services to increase efficiency and reduce local government expenses for property taxpayers.

"I am proud to have fought for an increase in State assistance to local governments to ease the tremendous burden property taxes place on our working families and those on fixed incomes," Senator Robach said. "This increase in aid is critically important to help the city, the towns, and villages of Monroe County meet their needs without resorting to higher property taxes."

This agreement will be finalized by the passage of the budget (anticipated to pass by April 1st, the start of the fiscal year).