To the Editor:

I’d like to share this county budget update with my Guilderland constituents. The Albany County Legislature passed the $733 million 2020 budget on Dec. 5. I voted “yes” because, once again, we cut county property taxes. That has occurred every year since I joined the legislature.

I also voted “yes” because the budget meets many critical needs for people who often have no other place to turn. I especially like strengthening our mental-health crisis response team because mental illness is an area that requires so much more attention.

We also approved grant funding to better help crime victims. The landmark $83 million upgrade of our nursing home and rehab center is underway and none of this renovation will require county money.

Of course, I did not agree with everything in the budget. I voted “no” twice (once in committee, again on a floor amendment) on pay raises for county legislators. I also opposed the 15-percent pay raises for the county executive and sheriff positions. I believe those were excessive.

I’m so grateful to my constituents for re-electing me in November. I remain excited about this privilege because helping people never gets old. 

Mark Grimm

Finance Committee

Ranking Member

Albany County

Legislature