Newburgh budget reveals 41% property tax hike

The City of Newburgh?s proposed 2011 budget was released Monday night, revealing a 41-percent property tax hike.
The $39.1 million preliminary budget also includes a 62-percent homestead property tax increase and dozens of police officers and firefighters could lose their jobs.
According to Mayor Nicholas Valentine, the job cuts and tax increases are the city?s only option. However, residents say that after layoffs and a property increase of more than 80 percent last year, they?re fed up.
The mayor says the City Council and comptroller are still trying to find ways to reduce the increases. They are also negotiating with police and fire unions to save as many jobs as possible.