The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY, News Release, December 26, 2025  Clinton County, NY – Clinton County has adopted its 2026 Operating Budget, marking another year of full compliance with the New York State property tax cap. Despite inflation, rising operational costs, and shifting state and federal mandates, the County successfully delivered a balanced budget without requiring a tax cap override.

Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Chazy, Area 3-R) said remaining under the cap demonstrates Clinton County’s long-standing commitment to responsible governance. “Compliance with the tax cap is not accidental — it’s the product of consistent, conservative budgeting and a strong partnership between the Legislature and our department heads,” said Henry. “In an environment where costs are rising and mandates continue to grow, remaining under the tax cap demonstrates our accountability to the taxpayer and our determination to maintain stability without sacrificing essential services.”

County Administrator Christine Peters noted that achieving compliance this year required particularly close scrutiny. “Remaining under the tax cap in today’s economic environment is not easy,” said Peters. “It required a thorough, line-by-line review and significant effort by our department heads, who once again stepped up and worked hard to reduce costs while still protecting critical county services. Their dedication ensured we could meet our statutory requirements and maintain fiscal stability.”

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 County’s continued compliance strengthens its long-range financial position and reinforces Clinton County’s reputation for prudent, sustainable fiscal management.