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Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has vetoed several amendments made by the county legislature to her proposed 2026 budget. Among the changes she rejected was the elimination of over $400,000 intended to fund three positions in the District Attorney's office. Serino cited concerns about fiscal sustainability and the use of one-time revenue to cover ongoing expenses. She explained, "The legislative amendments made to the 2026 budget added new and ongoing expenses while taking millions of additional dollars from our fund balance" (Dutchess County Executive Office).
Despite her vetoes, Serino allowed other amendments to stand, including one that reinstates the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear costing up to $110. The legislature had previously increased spending by $2.2 million, drawing $7.2 million from the county's fund balance to fund the changes (Mid Hudson News).
District Attorney Anthony Parisi, who had requested the additional positions, expressed disappointment, stating, "I cannot protect public safety with vacant titles and unfunded positions" (Highlands Current). The legislature is set to meet tonight (December 17) to consider overriding Serino's vetoes. The budget maintains the property tax levy under New York State’s cap, reducing the rate from $2.17 to $2.10 per $1,000 of assessed value.
