Information & Town News

CLIFTON PARK APPROVES 2025 BUDGET
Budget Maintains No Town Property Tax Status 

Supervisor Barrett and the Town Board have approved the 2025 Budget.  The Town remains committed to maintaining the status of having no General Fund Town Property Tax, while making significant investments in recreation, social services, public safety, infrastructure, programs and activities for all ages and many other important elements of serving the Town. 

The General Fund spending is currently projected to be $22,599,518.  The 2025 budget does not utilize unassigned fund balance or prior year saved monies to offset any portion of the spending plan.

It is important to note the Town and CSEA remain in union contract negotiations at this time.  The budget does not include cost of living increases for union employees.  Any budget adjustments that may be necessary will be reflected when negotiations conclude and could affect the total budget for the General Fund and the calculations represented in this release for the Highway Department Budget.  

The membership levels for the Clifton Park Senior Community Center have almost fully recovered from the COVID Pandemic.  The Town assumed operation responsibility of the CPSCC at the end of 2016, and membership grew from 620 to 1500.  We currently have 1485 members, which is a tremendous increase since the pandemic.  We will continue to improve and add to our offerings of activities, classes, informational sessions, trips and much more.    

The Town, like every other organization and household, has been challenged by inflation throughout our operations.  Despite inflationary pressures and no corresponding relief allowed per our Tax Cap calculations, the Town will not exceed Tax Cap limitations.  As a municipality with very low taxes, the tax levy increase Clifton Park is allowed annually through the Tax Cap program is very limited.  An allowable increase on a small number is ultimately a small number.   In the 2023 Town Tax Value Rankings released by the Office of the New York State Comptroller Clifton Park ranks 911 out of 933. This means that the Town of Clifton Park has one of the best value rankings in all of New York State, ensuring Clifton Park is a low-cost place for people to live and conduct business.               

The Highway Fund budget for 2025 is $7,410,739 which is a 3.55% increase over the 2024 adopted budget. For a home with a full market value of $300,000, the total 2025 Highway Tax will be $36.39.   The Town continues to invest in infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment annually to ensure personnel is equipped to handle daily tasks and respond to timely situations. 

The Town will continue to partner with local organizations for EMS Services.  For a home with a total market value of $300,000, the total EMS tax will be $36.56.  

The 2025 budget continues the Town’s strong commitment to maintaining and improving its infrastructure. Significant funding for stormwater, road repair and sanitary sewer maintenance remains in the 2025 budget.    

Funds are also included in the 2025 budget to continue the free Yard Waste Pick-up Program.  Clifton Park residents can also continue to drop off their yard waste at the Transfer Station free of charge through this program. 

The Full Market Value of the Town has now surpassed $7 billion.  The Town Center Planning process has led to a growing tax base, a diverse economy, a plethora of services close to home and success in the Exit 9 Commerce Area, that helps fund Town services and our school system.

We expect 2025 to continue to challenge our ability to manage the cost of operating the many facets of Town operations and services.