2026 Oneida County Budget ApprovedView

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.'s 2026 budget and capital plan were approved by the Board of Legislators today.

The $561.4 million balanced budget features a 2.9 percent increase to the property tax levy for the first time in 13 years.

"I thank the Board of Legislators for adopting my budget proposal with minimal adjustments and for keeping the people of Oneida County on a path of continued success," Picente said. "This modest increase is not a setback, it's a step forward. For more than a decade we have held the line on taxes while strengthening services, improving efficiency and investing in our community. But with mandated costs from Albany and Washington continuing to rise, and sales tax revenue flattening, this adjustment is necessary to preserve our fiscal health and position Oneida County for the future."

The 2026 budget appropriates $149.4 million in sales tax revenue, $26.25 million in Oneida Indian Nation revenue and the capital plan retires $17.6 million in debt while taking on just $13 million in new borrowing for critical projects.

More than 90% of the county's spending is mandated by the State of New York, leaving limited flexibility to absorb increasing costs in programs such as Medicaid, foster care and SNAP without local action.

The County's annual Medicaid obligation alone stands at $57.3 million-approximately 86% of the entire property tax levy-and could grow substantially if the state eliminates its Medicaid cap or adds new service mandates such as countywide ambulance coverage.

Over the past year, Oneida County has faced multiple tornadoes, expanded broadband to rural areas, upgraded emergency communications systems and strengthened public safety infrastructure, all without additional state or federal assistance.

The County is implementing cost-saving measures in the 2026 budget such as bringing the administration of the foster care program in-house to reduce contract expenses, unfunding long-vacant positions and maximizing the vacancy rate.