UTICA – The 2019 Oneida County budget was passed Wednesday afternoon during a meeting of the Board of Legislators.

In a news release, County Executive Anthony Picente says the $419 million budget contains no property ax increase for the sixth year in a row.

“Keeping taxes as low as possible and making strategic investments in our places and people has proven to be an effective approach in expanding our county tax base,” Picente said in an email. “Last year, our taxable assessed value was $7.3 billion dollars and. In 2019, that will increase by over $35 million. That growth is a shining example that we are on a prosperous path for the future.”

The county says there are several initiatives which will be funded in the 2019 budget. They include:

- A Community Service Corps
- A Homeless Prevention Services Unit
- A mental health Stabilization Center
- “Skydome” drone testing facility
- Renovation of Building 100 at Griffiss Airport