Evans Proposes $680M Budget With No Tax Hike for Fourth Year
- Dave McCleary
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Mayor Malik D. Evans on Friday released his proposed $680 million budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, a plan that maintains the city’s property tax levy for a fourth consecutive year while investing in public safety, infrastructure, and community prosperity.
“This is the fiscal prudence that allowed us to keep the tax levy flat for the fourth straight year,” Evans said during his budget address. “I’m proud of this budget because it funds the critical services, cutting-edge programs, and transformative projects that continue the momentum we started building three years ago.”
The budget is $27 million less than the current year’s, a reduction largely due to the conclusion of one-time projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The remaining savings stem from internal operational efficiencies.
Despite economic pressures—such as rising costs, inflation, and federal funding uncertainties—Evans said the city was able to avoid service cuts by working collaboratively with other government agencies and community partners.
Among the highlights of the proposed spending plan:
No tax levy increase and no change to Local Works or Refuse fees.
A modest water bill increase (less than $5/month on average) to support repairs to the city’s 149-year-old water infrastructure and the removal of lead service lines.
Continued investment in public safety, including:
Two 25-recruit Police Academy classes;
The Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative;
The ACTION Team, offering alternative responses to non-violent 911 calls;
A 28-recruit Fire Academy class and the addition of a Fire Lieutenant to strengthen code enforcement;
Support for the Rochester Peace Collective and Advance Peace’s Peacemaker Fellowship;
Expansion of youth services and safe havens at city R-Centers.
The budget also advances several community enrichment and economic development efforts:
Funding for the Maplewood Nature Center, composting initiatives, and the ROC Vision Zero pedestrian safety program;
Support for digital/mobile library programs, the second Baldwin Richardson HBCU Food Classic, and cultural engagement via a new Public Arts Coordinator;
Expanded opportunities at the Public Market and International Plaza;
Housing initiatives, including the “Buy the Block” program and First Genesis partnership;
Workforce development and entrepreneurship support through the R-Future Fund;
A restructured zoning and permitting office with expanded service hours.
The spending plan proposes a $328,000 reduction to the Police Accountability Board, attributed to staffing changes and a more cost-efficient office location.
Public hearings on the budget will be held May 28–30. A final vote by the City Council is scheduled for June 17.
The full proposal is available at www.cityofrochester.gov/budget2025.
“This is the fiscal prudence that allowed us to keep the tax levy flat for the fourth straight year,” Evans said during his budget address. “I’m proud of this budget because it funds the critical services, cutting-edge programs, and transformative projects that continue the momentum we started building three years ago.”
The budget is $27 million less than the current year’s, a reduction largely due to the conclusion of one-time projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The remaining savings stem from internal operational efficiencies.
Despite economic pressures—such as rising costs, inflation, and federal funding uncertainties—Evans said the city was able to avoid service cuts by working collaboratively with other government agencies and community partners.
Among the highlights of the proposed spending plan:
No tax levy increase and no change to Local Works or Refuse fees.
A modest water bill increase (less than $5/month on average) to support repairs to the city’s 149-year-old water infrastructure and the removal of lead service lines.
Continued investment in public safety, including:
Two 25-recruit Police Academy classes;
The Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative;
The ACTION Team, offering alternative responses to non-violent 911 calls;
A 28-recruit Fire Academy class and the addition of a Fire Lieutenant to strengthen code enforcement;
Support for the Rochester Peace Collective and Advance Peace’s Peacemaker Fellowship;
Expansion of youth services and safe havens at city R-Centers.
The budget also advances several community enrichment and economic development efforts:
Funding for the Maplewood Nature Center, composting initiatives, and the ROC Vision Zero pedestrian safety program;
Support for digital/mobile library programs, the second Baldwin Richardson HBCU Food Classic, and cultural engagement via a new Public Arts Coordinator;
Expanded opportunities at the Public Market and International Plaza;
Housing initiatives, including the “Buy the Block” program and First Genesis partnership;
Workforce development and entrepreneurship support through the R-Future Fund;
A restructured zoning and permitting office with expanded service hours.
The spending plan proposes a $328,000 reduction to the Police Accountability Board, attributed to staffing changes and a more cost-efficient office location.
Public hearings on the budget will be held May 28–30. A final vote by the City Council is scheduled for June 17.
The full proposal is available at www.cityofrochester.gov/budget2025.
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