Serino unveils $722M 'no-frills' 2027 Dutchess County budget
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino presented her "no-frills" 2027 Executive Budget in the Dutchess County Legislature Chambers on Friday, Oct. 30. This $722 million County budget , Serino said, "protects what matters most and safeguards the essential services our neighbors depend on." Compared to 2026's $653 million adopted budget , there is an approximate 10.7% increase for 2027's budget. There were "serious fiscal challenges" to face, including the nearly $90 million gap between anticipated expenses and projected revenue at the beginning of the budget cycle. Spending is on the rise, according to Serino, due to factors outside of the county's control. Over 70% of budget costs are mandated by the state and federal government, limiting flexibility and becoming the biggest challenge. Even so, the budget includes no cuts to services and no layoffs. "This may be a 'no-frills' budget, but it is grounded in responsibility, stewardship and care for our neighbors," Serino said. What has been done to offset the $90 million gap To mitigate the $90 million gap, seven vacant positions have been eliminated, and only four positions were added, including three street outreach workers added by the Legislature in September and a Deputy Sheriff position for the Threat
