County Executive Bello announces that the 2026 county budget has passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in a rare show of unity

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County’s 2026 financial blueprint is now officially in place after an overwhelming vote of support that cut through the political noise often seen at every level of government. County Executive Adam Bello announced that the County Legislature voted 27–2 in favor of the new budget, marking one of the most decisive bipartisan approvals in recent county history. At a moment when many communities nationwide are wrestling with division, the vote stood out as a reminder that cross-party cooperation is still attainable when shared priorities take center stage.

The roughly $1.57 billion spending plan is not only large in scope but also ambitious in purpose. The Bello administration crafted the budget to strike a balance between strengthening key public services and resisting pressure to raise taxes. In fact, the new plan pushes the property tax rate to a record low—its lowest point since the county began keeping track. For an administration that has long emphasized fiscal stability, the budget represents another step in redefining Monroe County as a model of disciplined management paired with strategic investments in core services.

“This year’s budget is a reminder of what responsible, collaborative government looks like,” said County Executive Bello. “At a time when much of our nation is defined by division and stalemates, Monroe County is proving that government can still come together, put residents first, and govern with discipline and purpose. I am grateful to the Legislature for its overwhelming support of the 2026 County spending plan.”

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The passage comes at a time of notable uncertainty. Federal funding streams across the country have become less predictable, and the possibility of future rescissions has raised alarms for many local governments. County officials acknowledged those concerns but noted that the 2026 plan was built with caution, long-term stability, and protective financial strategies in mind. Even with those challenges, the county managed to keep taxpayer interests front and center and maintain services without creating new burdens.

The budget’s financial structure reflects that careful approach. Overall spending will increase by just 1.9% from the 2025 budget, reaching a total of $1.57 billion. Meanwhile, the full value tax rate will drop by $0.36 to $5.67 per $1,000 of assessed value. County leaders highlighted how substantial that drop truly is when placed in context: since 2020, the rate has fallen from $8.79 to the new level, a decrease of $3.12, or roughly 35%. Few counties in the state can point to such aggressive tax rate reductions paired with growing investments in essential services.

Those disciplined financial steps have not gone unnoticed by outside evaluators. Monroe County has earned six credit rating upgrades since 2021, including its recent affirmation of an AA rating by Fitch Ratings. Fitch specifically cited strong fiscal controls, conservative budgeting, and consistent financial performance as reasons for maintaining that high grade. With borrowing costs often tied tightly to credit ratings, such upgrades have a direct impact on the county’s financial flexibility and long-term planning.

One of the central pillars of the 2026 budget is public safety. The plan allocates resources to several new or expanded initiatives that county officials say will strengthen emergency response and enhance community trust. Among the most notable additions is MonroeAlert, a new mass alerting platform that will allow county officials to push urgent notifications to residents via text, phone call, and email. The system is designed for moments when seconds matter—severe weather, active threats, or other life-threatening events.

Another major development is the EMS Dashboard, a first-of-its-kind tool aimed at improving data sharing between 911 dispatchers and local EMS agencies. By allowing teams to see real-time information, officials believe the dashboard will improve coordination and lead to better patient outcomes. Additional public safety investments include body-worn cameras for probation officers, a step aimed at boosting transparency, and a 9% increase in support for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to help with recruitment and retention.

Public health also stands as a major focus of the new budget. The plan continues support for numerous programs aimed at reducing substance use, responding to the opioid crisis, and expanding education around prevention. Funding will remain in place for the IMPACT Team, the county’s 24/7 Opioid Crisis Hotline, public access Naloxone boxes, and the second year of the “Call to Action” campaign. These initiatives, county officials say, remain essential as the region continues to confront evolving public health challenges.

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Additionally, the Office of Mental Health will begin piloting a Peer Support Services Transportation Program. This initiative will provide transport for residents in crisis, connecting them with diversion services rather than emergency rooms. By focusing on safe and supportive transport, the county hopes to reduce strain on hospitals and provide more appropriate care pathways for those facing behavioral health emergencies.

The 2026 budget also reinforces the county’s long-standing commitment to families and working parents. One of the largest expansions comes in the form of childcare support, with an additional $11.2 million dedicated to daycare services. This increase is meant to meet the rising demand for affordable childcare options while maintaining the county’s existing support structures, including the 1% parent fee and the presumptions certificate program.

Economic mobility and anti-poverty efforts continue through ongoing initiatives such as Project Prosper and the Monroe Ladder Demonstration Project. These efforts—which were strengthened by $28 million in state grants in 2025—aim to provide residents with accessible paths to higher-paying careers and long-term financial stability. County leaders say these programs represent a long-term investment in unlocking economic opportunity for families throughout Monroe County.

Bello emphasized the broader vision behind the plan: “This budget is more than a financial plan—it’s a roadmap for responsible governance during unpredictable times. It protects taxpayers, preserves core services, and strengthens the foundation of our community. By balancing investment with restraint, we’re positioning Monroe County to weather potential challenges without sacrificing the services residents depend on every day.”

The commanding bipartisan support for the budget reflects a shared belief among county lawmakers that Monroe County is strongest when officials find common ground. With debates across the nation often characterized by gridlock, the 27–2 vote stands out as a powerful message that cooperation is still possible—especially at the local level, where decisions directly shape the daily lives of residents.

As Monroe County moves forward, the 2026 budget will serve as both a financial guide and a symbol of what can happen when elected officials commit to collaboration, civility, and a unified focus on community needs.