Schenectady City Council Faces Budget Deadlock
SCHENECTADY — As the end of the year approaches, the Schenectady City Council is still without a 2024 budget, leading to a potential budget deadlock. Mayor Gary McCarthy recently vetoed the council’s second budget, and with no special budget meeting scheduled, the council is facing a race against time to reach an agreement.
The council is set to resume budget discussions during the Finance Committee meeting on Monday evening. However, if a resolution is not reached soon, the council will need to hold a veto override vote at its next full board meeting, with a five-vote supermajority required to overturn the mayor’s veto.
Stalemate Continues
On Dec. 7, the council voted 4-3 to override McCarthy’s first veto, but the mayor’s veto was sustained after several councilmembers voted against the override. McCarthy’s recent veto of the council’s $109 million second budget was due to his opposition to the council’s plan to use an additional $1.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to balance the city’s waste budget instead of utilizing reserve funding.
With the city charter stating that the council must pass a budget by Nov. 1 each year, the potential ramifications of entering a new year without a budget in place remain unclear. City Corporation Counsel Andrew Koldin has not publicly weighed in on the next steps for the city if the Dec. 31 deadline is missed.
Uncertain Future
Amidst the budget stalemate, concerns are growing about the city’s financial authority if a budget deal is not reached by Jan. 1, 2024. While Mayor McCarthy believes the city would not have the authority to expend any money without a budget, the state’s previous opinion for the Port Jervis budget does not constitute guidance to Schenectady for its current budget deadlock.
With Councilman-elect Joseph Mancini set to replace Councilmember John Polimeni on Jan. 1, there is a growing concern that the city may not have a budget in place before the new year, leaving Mancini without the opportunity to cast a vote for the final plan.
Hopes for Resolution
Despite the ongoing deadlock, Mancini remains hopeful for a resolution before the new year. However, he is prepared to review the budget and vote on a budget proposal in January if needed.
“My Christmas present this year is that they resolve it before I’m sworn in,” Mancini said with a laugh.
Agree
Agree – That seems like poor planning on the city’s part. They should have organized a special budget meeting well in advance to ensure they meet the deadline and make informed decisions.
Agree – This lack of planning is unacceptable and shows a lack of responsibility towards the city’s finances. They need to prioritize and schedule a special budget meeting immediately to address this issue.
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