State Budget Includes State Aid For Cities Of Geneva And Auburn

Albany--State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today announced that the 2007-2008 State Budget includes State aid for the Cities of Geneva and Auburn. Geneva will receive $1.97 million in aid, a 7% increase, or $128,994, over last year’s funding.Auburnwill receive $4.88 million in aid, a 7% increase, or$319,631, over last year.

"This State aid will provide meaningful assistance to the Cities of Geneva and Auburn to help keep local property taxes down for residents while continuing to provide important services to our citizens. It will also provide the Cities with needed assistance in dealing with the fiscal challenges facing local governments," Nozzolio said.

Geneva Mayor Don Cass said, “I would certainly like to thank Senator Nozzolio for working to increase this important funding for the City of Geneva. This funding will be very helpful in keeping property taxes down for our residents.”

Auburn Mayor Timothy Lattimore said, “I am extremely pleased thatthe Statebudget proposal contains additional funding for upstate cities like Auburn. This funding will allow the City to pay for city services while helping to lower property taxes and I would like to thank Senator Nozzolio for being such a staunch ally to the City and County.”

This State funding is contained as part of the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities program in the 2007-2008 State Budget. The program requires towns and villages receiving the aid to reduce property taxes for residents, invest in economic development to generate real property tax base growth, or support investments in technology or other reengineering initiatives that permanently reduce operating expenses.

“With this increased funding, I look forward to working with Mayor Cass and Mayor Lattimoreand the City Councils in providing greater tax relief for their residents," Nozzolio concluded.

####