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Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy and the City Council will meet today (November 21) to discuss the city's 2026 budget proposal. Earlier this month, the council approved a $119 million budget plan, which Mayor McCarthy vetoed, citing unrealistic revenue projections and a need to exceed the state's tax cap. The council's plan proposed a 2.6% tax increase, while McCarthy's original proposal included a 17% increase, which he deemed necessary to maintain city services.
The meeting, starting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, will determine if the council can override the mayor's veto. A supermajority vote is required for an override, but procedural issues have previously hindered this process. According to Times Union, the council missed an opportunity to vote on the override due to a meeting adjournment error.
City Attorney Sean O'Brien clarified that without passing legislation to exceed the tax cap, the council must return to the drawing board. The finance committee will review the budget, but discussions are delayed as the finance commissioner is on paternity leave. Mayor McCarthy expressed willingness to negotiate for a balanced budget that sustains city services.
Residents can watch the meeting online through the Open Stage Media YouTube page or on local TV channels. The outcome of this meeting could impact Schenectady's financial planning for the coming year.