If you live in Brewster, Carmel, or any of our quiet towns tucked into the Hudson Valley, you’ve probably heard the chatter about the 2026 budget. People are talking. It's the kind of talk that happens over coffee at the diner or while waiting for the train—half-rumor, half-hope.
Putnam County NY news is currently dominated by a massive fiscal shift. County Executive Kevin Byrne recently signed a $229 million spending plan that is being hailed as historic. But what does that actually mean for your wallet? Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag, though mostly leaning toward the "relief" side of things.
The $1 Million Cut Nobody Expected
Most people assume local taxes only go up. It’s basically a law of nature in New York, right? Well, the 2026 budget actually includes a $1 million reduction to the property tax levy. This isn't just a small tweak. It’s the largest property tax cut in the history of Putnam County.
The rate is dropping to 2.39. That is the lowest we’ve seen in nearly 20 years.
Wait. Before you plan a vacation with the savings, let’s be real. The Legislature added about $7 million in spending on top of Byrne’s original proposal. They also carved out $6.5 million from the county’s unassigned reserves—which are sitting at a pretty healthy $78.3 million—to create a "Homeowner Tax Relief Program."
Why the Reserves Matter
You might wonder why the county has so much cash sitting around. According to recent audits, sales tax revenue has been crushing projections. We’re "underspending" by millions.
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- Unassigned Funds: $78.3 million.
- Proposed Relief Account: $6.5 million.
- Total Reserves: Over $144 million.
Legislator Paul Jonke, who pushed for this relief program, argues that even with small rate cuts, homeowners haven't felt a real impact on their bills yet. This new program is meant to change that, specifically targeting seniors and veterans. However, Legislator Nancy Montgomery has raised some fair points about whether just handing cash back to homeowners is legal or inclusive enough. It’s a debate that’s definitely not over.
Infrastructure and Your Commute
If you’ve driven through Patterson or Southeast lately, you know the roads aren't getting any younger. The new budget introduces something called "revenue sharing."
For the first time, the county is sharing about $2.3 million in sales tax revenue directly with the nine towns and villages. Basically, your local town supervisor now has a dedicated pot of money for infrastructure and capital projects. Philipstown is looking at about $169,000, while smaller spots like Cold Spring and Nelsonville are guaranteed at least $50,000.
The Public Transit Shakeup
The Department of Planning, Development and Public Transportation just kicked off a massive study this January. They are looking at every single bus route and stop.
They’re honestly considering everything:
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- Changing how often buses run.
- Cutting routes that nobody uses.
- Replacing some lines with "demand-response microtransit"—sorta like a county-run Uber.
- Adding high-tech stuff like live bus tracking and contactless payments.
The study should be done by June 2026. If you’re a commuter, this is the news you actually need to watch because it determines how hard it’ll be to get around without a car.
What’s Happening in our Schools?
Education is always a hot-button issue in Putnam County NY news. Right now, Brewster is making waves with its P-Tech program. About 100 students are currently earning college credits for free in high-demand STEM fields. They’ll graduate with an Associate’s Degree from Westchester Community College without spending a dime on tuition.
Meanwhile, over in the Haldane Central School District, the 2026-2027 Pre-K registration is officially open. If your kid turns four by December 1, 2026, you need to be at the orientation meeting on February 5.
Budget season for schools is also kicking off. Putnam Valley held its first preview meeting on January 8. These meetings are usually boring, but they are where the "hidden" tax increases happen, so it's worth checking the district website if you live in the valley.
Safety and the Courts
There is some heavier news coming out of the courts this month. Erik Duran, an NYPD sergeant from Mahopac, is currently on trial in the Bronx. He’s accused of killing a man by throwing a cooler at him during a drug bust back in 2023.
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It’s a tense case. The defense says he had only seconds to make a life-or-death choice. Prosecutors say he targeted the wrong person. It’s a story that has hit the Mahopac community hard, given how many law enforcement families live in the area.
On a lighter note for the Sheriff’s Department, Acting Sheriff Brian Hess and Kevin Byrne are working to rename the Nelsonville substation. It’ll be named in honor of the late Sheriff Kevin McConville.
The "Revolutionary" Anniversary
Believe it or not, people are already planning for the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. The "Revolutionary Putnam County Advisory Committee" has been snagging private-sector cash to fund events. The 2026 budget includes extra support for this, along with funding for the Row of Honor on Lake Gleneida.
Actionable Steps for Putnam Residents
Stay ahead of the changes. Don't just wait for your tax bill to arrive in the mail.
- Check the Budget Transparency Website: The county has a portal where you can actually see where the $229 million is going. Search "Putnam County Budget Transparency" to find the breakdown.
- Apply for the Sales Tax Exemption: Remember, clothing and shoes under $110 are still tax-free in the county. This was extended through March 2027. Buy your gear locally to keep that revenue in our towns.
- Voice Your Transit Opinion: The transit study is active right now. If your bus route sucks or you need a stop in a new spot, contact the Department of Planning before the June 2026 deadline.
- Watch the Re-election Trail: Kevin Byrne, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and Congressman Mike Lawler all officially kicked off their re-election campaigns this January. Expect a lot of "town halls" and "coffees with the executive" over the next few months. These are the best places to ask about that $6.5 million tax relief fund.
The fiscal health of the county looks solid on paper, but the real test is whether that $144 million in reserves actually makes it back to the people paying the bills. Keep an eye on the Legislature's monthly meetings—that's where the real deals are made.