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Mayor Billy Barlow has proposed his 2024 city operating budget to the Oswego Common Council, his seventh budget as Mayor.
Mayor Barlow’s $60,807,855 spending plan, for the seventh consecutive year, calls for no increases to any taxes or fees. To date, the Barlow administration has yet to use the general fund to balance a budget, has issued one tax decrease in 2019 and successfully lower water and sewer bills for flat rate homeowners by $300.
The $60,807,855 total proposed operating budget allocates $5.7 million for the Oswego Fire Department, $6.2 million for the Oswego Police Department and $8.6 million for the Oswego Department of Public Works. Overall, the city budget consists of roughly 55% personnel costs, 22% contractual obligations, and 13% obligated to fringe benefits.
Mayor Barlow’s FY2024 Budget Highlights:
- 7th Consecutive budget with NO tax increase
- NO increase in water or sewer fees
- $80,000 in funding for Special Events
- Three New Police Vehicles
- New Asphalt Hopper for DPW
The most impressive part of Oswego’s recent growth and transformation has been city government’s ability to make all these improvements to enhance the community while lowering the cost of living by reducing the tax rate and cutting fees. The 2023 proposed city budget ensures continued growth and success without increasing costs to residents,” said Mayor Billy Barlow.
The Oswego Common Council will debate on whether to accept the proposed budget or to amend it by resolution. Any amendments made by the Common Council by resolution to increase or decrease appropriations will affect the proposed tax rate. The Council is expected to vote on the proposed budget during the Common Council meeting scheduled for Monday, August 28th following a mandatory public hearing. The mayor’s budget is available in its entirety for review on the city’s website at www.oswegony.org.
