Mayor Mantello Issues Proposed 2026 Budget for the City of Troy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2025

Mayor Mantello Issues Proposed 2026 Budget for the City of Troy

Building Troy's Future Through Smart Investment, Fiscal Strength, and Modernization

(TROY, NY) - Mayor Carmella R. Mantello today issued City of Troy's proposed 2026 budget - continuing her administration's record of fiscal responsibility, investment in city assets, and commitment to modernizing city government while holding the line on spending.

The proposed $122 million dollar budget preserves Troy's strong credit standing and remains well below the state tax cap with a 2.29% tax rate expansion - equating to an average monthly increase of $4.64 for a home assessed at $150,000.

"Like every municipality across New York, Troy continues to face mounting cost pressures driven by rising healthcare premiums, pensions, equipment and materials," said Mayor Mantello. "But through careful planning, collaboration, and accountability, we are holding the line on spending, enhancing city services, and protecting Troy's fiscal health - while continuing to invest in the infrastructure, parks, public safety, and neighborhoods that make our city thrive."

A Foundation of Fiscal Responsibility

The 2026 budget reflects a continued focus on fiscal discipline and long-term stability. Through responsible management, the city has maintained a strong credit rating and a balanced budget while making critical investments in public safety, infrastructure, housing, and recreation.

Delivering on Promises: Reducing the Garbage Fee

Fulfilling a major campaign pledge, Mayor Mantello announced the first-ever reduction in the city's garbage fee. The fee will drop by $25 per unit, from $254 to $229 in 2026 - the first step in a phased effort to roll back what was once a "temporary" tax on residents.
The budget also provides one free annual at home bulk pickup service and continues quarterly free bulk drop-off events at the Alamo, part of the city's broader "Safer and Cleaner Troy" initiative.

Strengthening Public Safety

The 2026 budget continues record investments in Troy's Police and Fire Departments - expanding walking beats, upgrading facilities, and enhancing training and technology. Operation Sentinel has removed over 120 illegal firearms and 25,000 grams of illegal drugs from city streets, while a new $16 million firehouse in Lansingburgh, the addition of a 24-hour ambulance service, and raising the total firefighting force by 4 members. will improve emergency response and coverage for all neighborhoods.

Investing in Parks and Recreation

The Mantello Administration continues its historic reinvestment in neighborhood parks and public spaces, with upgrades at Prospect Park, Kinloch Park, Frear Park, and Knickerbacker Park. From new playgrounds and court restorations to trail enhancements and the future Knick Aquatic Center, these projects are transforming Troy's recreation system into a model of accessibility, safety, and community pride.

Rebuilding Infrastructure

Through the city's Annual Infrastructure Improvement Plan, Troy has made record progress in repairing and repaving major corridors - including Pinewoods, Campbell, Spring, Burden, and Oakwood Avenues, and several alleyways.
Looking ahead, the Congress and Ferry Street Corridor Project will modernize one of Troy's most vital gateways with redesigned lanes, expanded parking, bike lanes, and pedestrian upgrades. The budget also establishes a dedicated pothole response crew for real-time street repairs citywide and the installation of new traffic calming measures.

Quality of Life and Public Health

The expansion of the city's Quality-of-Life Action Crews includes a new Litter Response Team dedicated to daily neighborhood cleanups. Meanwhile, Troy's accelerated lead service line replacement program has already removed more than 500 lead lines, with expanded crews in 2026 to speed up replacements and ensure safe, clean drinking water for every household.

Modernizing City Operations

The administration continues its modernization efforts, replacing 1980's outdated systems with Tyler Technologies and Kronos platforms to improve financial management, accuracy, and transparency. Four major union contracts have been successfully negotiated since 2024, ensuring fair compensation and labor stability across departments.

A City Reborn

Major projects on the horizon include the completion of all American Rescue Plan (ARPA) projects, the long-awaited redevelopment of One Monument Square, and the relocation of Troy City Hall to a permanent home at Proctors Theatre - a move that saves taxpayers nearly $100,000 annually while restoring civic pride and accessibility.

"Our 2026 budget is about smart investment, modernization, and results," said Mayor Mantello. "From reducing fees and rebuilding infrastructure to expanding public safety and delivering cleaner neighborhoods, we are strengthening Troy's foundation for generations to come. This is a budget that reflects who we are - resilient, forward-looking, and deeply proud of our city."

Mayor Mantello will be at the Italian Community Center (1450 5^th Avenue, Troy, NY) tomorrow, October 11^th from 11:30am - 12:30pm to celebrate Columbus Day. Members of the press are invited to attend and ask questions once the event concludes.

For more information or to view the full proposed 2026 Budget, visit troyny.gov/budget.

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