SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Schenectady County faces a spending issue and is looking at a tax hike to fill the gap.
Residents gathered Monday for their only chance to weigh in on the issue, hoping to sway county officials before they take their budget to a vote.
"I can't afford to have my taxes raised," a Glenville homeowner, who declined to give his name said.
"Doesn't this legislative body have a conscience? If so, stop the tax increases, please!" another Schenectady County resident said.
While Schenectady is already among the highest taxed counties in the state, residents could soon be paying more if the county managers proposed 2013 budget is adopted by the legislature. The $296 million plan includes a property tax hike of nearly 7.5 percent and eliminating 26 positions.
The county legislature voted to override the states 2 percent tax cap before this latest budget was unveiled earlier this month.
During that presentation, County Manager Kathleen Rooney said the additional revenue was needed to cover unfunded mandates including Medicaid, welfare, and criminal justice - which are projected to be 84 percent of the county's total costs next year.
"We're trying for the lowest possible, responsible tax rate that we can get," Majority Leader of the County Legislature Gary Hughes said.
The legislature is scheduled to vote on the budget Wednesday. Legislators said they may need more time to review it and make changes, they have until the end of the month to pass it.
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