Jefferson County budget raises SNAP costs, trims capital projects
Jefferson County’s proposed $364 million budget would slightly lower the property tax rate while shifting nearly $2.5 million in additional SNAP costs to the county and reducing some capital and infrastructure work.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Jefferson County’s proposed 2027 budget would lower the property tax rate slightly while adding nearly $2.5 million in county costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and reducing funding for some capital projects and road and bridge maintenance.
The tentative budget totals $364 million, an increase of $2 million. The proposed tax rate is $5.56 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from $5.58. It would be the county’s sixth consecutive annual tax-rate reduction.
County Administrator Ryan Piche said 94% of the property taxes collected next year would support state and federal directives. The added SNAP expense follows a federal change reducing the federal share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%, effective Oct. 1, 2026. New York counties already pay the state’s share of those costs.
The New York State Association of Counties estimates counties and New York City will absorb about $168 million annually in new SNAP costs. New York is one of three states where counties pay the entire nonfederal share of SNAP administrative expenses. The association is seeking a two-year delay from Congress and financial relief from New York state.
Local projects face reductions
The proposed budget reduces capital spending, including work connected to the former Deferiet Paper Mill site. Jefferson County acquired the property through tax foreclosure and began cleanup last year, using state Restore NY grant funding and work by Sabre Demolition Corp. to support future development.
Road and bridge maintenance funding also would be reduced. The changes reflect the county’s effort to cover newly shifted costs while keeping the tax rate lower, county officials said.
The SNAP shift has a significant local effect. Jefferson County budgeted $300,000 for SNAP costs in 2026, and estimates cited by North Country sources put the county’s new annual expense above $1 million. More than 14,000 Jefferson County residents use food stamps at grocery stores.
Budget schedule
A county budget worksession was scheduled for Oct. 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Board of Legislators Chambers, 195 Arsenal Street, Watertown.
A public hearing on the tentative budget is scheduled for Nov. 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the same location. Residents can check Jefferson County’s official events page and the county board agenda for updates.
The county plans to include fliers with residents’ tax bills. The fliers will contain a QR code linking to information about how county tax dollars are spent. Questions may be directed to Jefferson County at 315-785-3075.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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