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KENT, NY – In a landmark agreement on fiscal cooperation and taxpayer relief, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne today announced a historic compromise with every town supervisor and village mayor in the county to share a portion of county sales tax revenue with local municipalities. The unanimous compromise, unveiled at a press conference on Tax Day outside Kent Town Hall, paves the way for the largest property tax cut in county history, scheduled for fiscal year 2026.

The agreement follows County Executive Byrne’s veto of a resolution recently passed by the County Legislature to change the sales tax on purchases by 0.25%, which would have eliminated $5.3 million in county revenue. Instead, Byrne worked with local municipal leaders to craft an alternative plan that maintains the current sales tax rate while sharing a portion of it with towns and villages—something these local governments have sought for years.

“Today we’re taking a bold step forward, together,” said County Executive Byrne. “This historic compromise secures much-needed tax relief for residents where it matters most, while enabling us to deliver a record-breaking county property tax cut. It’s a victory for our taxpayers, towns and villages, and for responsible, transparent government.”

Under the terms of the compromise, 1/9th of the county’s 1% sales tax extension—symbolic of Putnam’s six towns and three villages—will be distributed to local municipalities based on population, with a guarantee that each will receive at least $50,000 annually. Importantly, the shared funds must be used for public projects such as local infrastructure and capital needs, not for payroll or general operating expenses. If sales tax revenue remains consistent with last year, the total shared amount would be approximately $2.44 million.

The compromise is contingent on the State Legislature passing enabling legislation to extend the county’s existing 4% sales tax rate. In a powerful show of unity, every town supervisor and village mayor in Putnam County—regardless of political affiliation—signed a joint letter urging state lawmakers to sponsor and pass the legislation.

“Our local governments face many of the same rising costs as county and state governments but with far fewer resources and tools,” said Kent Supervisor Jaime McGlasson. “This compromise is fair. It has buy-in from our County Executive as well as every town supervisor and village mayor, regardless of party. Kent is poised to receive over $200,000 in revenue from this compromise. This funding could help with maintenance of roads, municipal water and sewer, and other much needed upgrades to town infrastructure.”

Putnam Valley Supervisor Jackie Annabi emphasized the strength of the partnership: “This is what good government looks like—leaders from every corner of the county, working across party lines, standing up for the people we serve. We’re united in this because our communities deserve better, and this compromise delivers real results.”

Carmel Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari emphasized the need for property tax relief stating, “I know that our senior community, those on fixed incomes, are the ones really struggling to pay their property taxes every year. They can choose to limit what they buy, and limit the impact sales tax has on them, but they can’t choose how much their property tax bill is every year. This deal will ensure we have that alternative source of revenue, separate from property taxes, and can lessen our need to rely on property taxes in the future.”

Gianni Crecco, business leader from Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac was also in attendance to support the compromise saying, “this form of tax relief would be a huge help to businesses. For years I’ve heard others say, and I’ve said we desperately need infrastructure improvements at the town level because without basic infrastructure, water and sewer, there is no room for real growth. This funding, this tax relief would definitely help businesses and growth.”

The press conference drew broad attendance from across the county, including Putnam’s mayors, supervisors, town highway superintendents, and leaders from the business community -- all standing in support of the compromise.

County Executive Byrne also announced that this compromise would enable him to cut the county property tax levy by at least $1 million in his next county budget, marking the largest property tax cut in Putnam County history.

“This proposal reflects the will of the people,” Byrne said, referencing a recent public survey in which 72% of respondents favored a major county property tax cut over a change to the sales tax rate. “You spoke, and we listened.”

The coalition of local executives called on the County Legislature to reconvene for a special meeting to pass the compromise plan and send a formal home-rule request to Albany.

“We have an unprecedented opportunity to put partisanship aside and deliver real, lasting tax relief,” Byrne said. “Let’s not waste it.”