Albany ranked 2nd most financially stressed city in New York

NewsChannel 13’s Dan Levy spoke with some people in Albany to find out what they thought the best action is to deal with a $55M budget deficit.

ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT)- Albany residents are reacting with concern as the city faces deep financial stress and difficult choices about how to close a major budget gap.

Last week, the state comptroller’s office determined Albany is the second worst most financially stressed municipality in New York state out of more than 13,000 cities, towns and villages.

The options to dig out from a $55-million dollar hole that come up more often are cutting jobs and services, furloughing police and or firefighters or other city employees and perhaps raising taxes.

NewsChannel 13 spoke to city residents about the dilemma and what they think the city should do about the deficit.

“I think you start by auditing the police department’s budget thoroughly,” one resident said. “Cracking down on unnecessary overtime and just unnecessary expenditures period.”

Another resident said they couldn’t think of anyone who would want to pay more taxes in order to make up for the budget shortfall.

“The report reinforces the significant fiscal challenges the city was facing when my administration took office and is consistent with the State Comptroller’s recent assessment of Albany’s financial condition at the end of 2025,” Mayor Applyrs said in a statement about the state comptroller’s review of the city’s 2025 and 2026 budget.

“I am pleased that the Comptroller’s recommendations, including a substantial increase in the contingency fund, reflect the careful approach we have taken in the Proposed 2027 City of Albany budget and in the improved financial management practices we now have in place,” Mayor Applyrs said. “The plan I will present is a soundly balanced budget that stabilizes Albany’s finances and puts us on a multi-year path to fiscal sustainability.”

Mayor Dorcey Applyrs is scheduled to present her budget proposal Thursday at 11 a.m. to the Albany Common Council at the Albany West Community Center. The presentation will be streamed on the city’s website and Mayor Applyrs Facebook page.

NewsChannel 13 is planning on covering the mayor’s budget proposal. Watch NewsChannel 13 online and on air for updates on this story.

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