(WENY) -- Despite the fact that property tax rates will decrease, some residents in Steuben County will see an increase to their overall tax bill if the $227 million budget passes later this month. As it stands, the proposed budget represents a .97 percent increase compared to this year’s budget.   

“Some municipalities are going to see an increase, and others are going to see a decrease... it depends on how much your property value changed.” Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler said.   

Under the proposed budget, the average tax rate will decrease 5 percent, and the property tax levy would increase 1.5 percent, well below the New York State Property Tax Cap. That means property owners will see a decrease of roughly 40 cents per $1000 of assessed value. However, if a property value reassessment has increased the value of a home enough, even the tax rate decrease will not prevent an overall increase to a homeowner’s tax bill.   

“It all depends on property value and equalization rates,” said Wheeler, adding, “it won’t be a significant change for many.”  

Wheeler said the proposed budget is designed to residents do not see changes in County services. Key changes to the proposed budget include a push to maintain competitive salaries for County positions.  

“Residents shouldn't see much of a change... It's a very fair budget. It does not increase county services, but it really does maintain the core services that the counties are required to provide... also those local services like public works; roads, bridges, public safety that our citizens depend upon.” Wheeler said.  

Changes in the proposed budget include absorbing increases in employee medical insurance to boost child protective services and state-mandated court, law enforcement, and jail expenses.   

If the proposal is passed, the current budget would increase from $221,043,320 to $227,130,918. The tax levy would also increase from $51,522,429 to $52,295,266. 

A public hearing on the proposed 2023 budget will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 28th, after which the County Legislature will vote on the proposed budget.