Photo: Images By Tang Ming Tung / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Kingston lawmakers are set to vote on Mayor Steve Noble's proposed $63.3 million budget for 2026 on Tuesday (December 2). The plan includes a $3.4 million spending increase from the previous year and raises the tax levy by 5.745%. The residential property tax rate would rise from $9.87 to $10.78 per $1,000 of assessed value, translating to an additional $18.66 per month for a home assessed at the citywide average of $185,000. Non-residential properties would see a tax rate increase from $15.12 to $16.76 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The budget maintains funding levels for the city's police and fire departments. The Kingston Police Department's budget will increase to $15,485,502, primarily due to contractual and benefit costs, with a focus on health care expenses. The department plans to purchase one new patrol car and bulletproof vests, following last year's acquisition of eight electric vehicles for the detective division.
The Kingston Fire Department's budget is set at $12,494,431, with $9.8 million allocated for fire services and $2.7 million for the ambulance service. The ambulance service is expected to collect $1.9 million in billing revenue from insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid, marking a $400,000 increase from 2025. A new advanced life support "fly car" will replace an older vehicle to enhance response capabilities for mutual aid calls outside the city.
Mayor Noble's proposal also includes a phased salary increase for Common Council members and a new 3% lodging tax on hotel and short-term rental stays, expected to take effect late next year. The vote on the budget will determine if these measures are implemented.