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Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino recently unveiled her 2026 budget proposal, totaling $651 million, which marks a 3.3% increase from the previous year's budget. A key component of the budget is the elimination of the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $110, set to take effect on March 1, 2026. This change is expected to increase county revenue by $952,000, with $859,000 shared between the cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie.
Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Yvette Valdés Smith, criticized the decision, arguing it disproportionately affects working families and stems from what they describe as mismanagement by the Republican-led county government. Valdés Smith stated, "This rash decision will disproportionately hurt working families in Dutchess County, and Democratic legislators will challenge it" as reported by Mid Hudson News.
Republican Legislator Mike Polasek expressed confidence that the legislature will carefully deliberate the proposal. He also noted that the impact of this issue on upcoming elections is uncertain, as voters consider a range of factors.
The proposed budget has sparked a debate over fiscal priorities, with critics also pointing out its lack of provisions for addressing the county's EMS crisis and housing issues. The budget's focus on maintaining services without layoffs and increasing revenue sharing with municipalities is part of Serino's plan to build a "safer, stronger, and brighter future" for Dutchess County.