The Peru Gazette

Clinton County News Release of Dec. 19, 2025 – Clinton County has adopted its 2026 Operating Budget, delivering residents another year of meaningful tax relief. The new budget decreases the gross tax rate from $3.98 to $3.74 per $1,000 of assessed value, a 6 percent reduction. The total tax levy also decreases by $32,767, marking the lowest levy since 2019.

Legislature Chair Mark Henry (Chazy, Area 3-R) said this year’s tax rate reduction is a direct reflection of sustained fiscal responsibility and shared accountability across county operations. “This reduction is the result of several years of careful budgeting encompassing a deliberate effort to protect taxpayers,” said Legislature Chair Mark Henry. “Our clear message to department heads was to hold the line on spending. The Legislature remains committed to ensuring that residents see real, tangible benefits from the County budget.   Delivering a lower tax rate while preserving core services is something that benefits every resident and something we are very proud to achieve.”

County Administrator Christine Peters, who prepared the spending plan, noted that lowering the rate required extensive collaboration. “Achieving a tax rate reduction in a year marked by inflation, increased state mandates, and shifting federal priorities required significant diligence,” said Peters. “Once the initial departmental requests came in, our department heads worked extremely hard to roll up their sleeves and identify efficiencies without compromising essential services. Their partnership made this outcome possible.”

Finance Committee Chair Rob Timmons (Peru, Area-10-R) highlighted the fiscal practices that allowed the County to stay within the cap. “We approach the budget each year with a long-term lens, knowing stability matters to both residents and the County’s financial health,” said Finance Chair Rob Timmons. “Staying under the tax cap required difficult decisions, but also careful planning, responsible use of reserves, and a collaborative effort across departments to identify savings without undermining service delivery.”

The adopted budget positions Clinton County for continued long-term fiscal stability while meeting growing community needs and protecting essential services.