Rensselaer and Troy will receive additional assistance to further ease the burden of local property taxes and assist them in meeting the needs of their residents, announced Senator Joe Bruno on Sunday.The two cities will receive increases of more than eight percent in AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities) funding this year (2008-2009 budget year) after Senator Bruno rejected an earlier executive proposal calling for cuts that would have placed undue pressure and further economic stress on local taxpayers."Providing additional aid to cities is a priority in this budget," said Senator Bruno. "While the Executive Budget proposed a two percent cut in aid to cities, we recognized how critically important this aid is to help cities meet the needs of their communities without resorting to higher property taxes."Under the new agreement, Rensselaer will get a boost of more than $100,000 that will total more than $1.2 million in available funds that will assist city leaders in this difficult economic climate.Rensselaer Mayor Dan Dyer welcomed the announcement."Once again, Senator Bruno has delivered for the residents in Rensselaer," said Mayor Dyer. "Time and time again, Sen. Bruno has proven that he makes good on his promises. We truly appreciate his efforts."Troy will receive an increase this year of more than $1 million for a total AIM award of $13.1 million."We are extremely pleased that Senator Bruno was able to stave off any decrease in this funding," Mayor Harry Tutunjian said. "This aid is vital to keep the tax burden off of our residents, and any decrease in funding would have simply been a shift in that burden. This is a program that rewards municipalities that are fiscally strong in their planning, and we are pleased to have our hard work acknowledged." The increase was part of the public protection and general government budget bills (S.6800-D, S.6806-C) that were passed by the Senate.
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