The City of Ogdensburg, City Comptroller Angela M. Gray and City Manager Stephen P. Jellie completed the final close out and reconciliation of the 2021 Fiscal Year and will present a detailed financial report to City Council on Monday, 28 February 2022. Please click here to view the report. The final results of the previous fiscal year demonstrate the decisive and aggressive strategic decisions being made by the Skelly Administration are obtaining the bold positive results the City needs in order to revive its economy and reduce the tax burden placed on businesses and residents. The following are highlights of the attached final report:
- 2021 General Fund Operating Surplus - $2.1M
- 2021 Ending Fund Balance - $6.1M (increase of 51% from end of year 2020 and a 137% increase since end of year 2019)
- $4.7M Sales Tax Revenue Received (increase of $1.0M from end of year 2020)
- $699,526 reduction in Property Tax Revenue (decrease of 12%) – All of which was returned to the TAXPAYERS
- Reduced Overall City Debt to $4.3M (decrease of 13% from end of year 2020)
- Reduced the 20+ year old delinquent debt owed to St. Lawrence County to $413,000 (a decrease of 49% of original $826,000) – Balance will be paid in 2022
- DPW Management Efficiency paid off $235,103 of Capital Equipment debt 2 years prior to the due date
- Established the lowest Property Tax Rate ($15.88) since 2010 for Fiscal Year 2022.
- Reduced City Full-Time Employee Staff 16% (129 FTE in 2019 / 108 FTE in 2021) 2022 FTE total is 94
- Despite significant reductions in expenditures, Public Safety continues to consume 56% of the total General Fund Budget
Since taking office in January 2020, Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly has worked tirelessly with members of the Ogdensburg City Council majority to save the City from near financial bankruptcy. While not always popular, and at times fiercely debated, the progress is unmistakable and the City’s new found financial strength is paving the wave for the accelerated revival of the waterfront, creating optimal conditions for businesses and reducing the heavy tax burden placed on the residents of the City, many of whom live on strict fixed or low incomes.
Quote from Mayor Skelly: 2021 was an outstanding year for the City, and I look forward to the progress on multiple projects and initiatives that are planned for 2022. When I took office in January 2020, the City was at serious risk of financial collapse with very little cash on hand and mounting debts. In just two years, my administration has stabilized the City’s finances and charted a course for the future that will return Ogdensburg’s prosperity for all that chose to live, work and recreate in the only city in St. Lawrence County.