If there is one truism that will always be a constant in our lives it is- People vote with their feet. Consumers are attracted by convenience, service and most all- maximizing value. Why have stores like WALMART, Target, Costco, etc. successful? They always have centralized locations, everything is available in one store and the same brands you can buy elsewhere are less expensive in the larger supercenters. People will generally be attracted by these same principles when considering where to invest in a home. Are there services close to home? What programs are available for families? What amenities are available? What are the property value trends? What are the taxes and how are tax rates trending? Is the municipality/neighborhood safe?
We have witnessed this phenomenon in Clifton Park and Saratoga County. Per the 1960 Census, Clifton Park had a population of 4,512 and Saratoga County had 89,000 residents. By 1990, Clifton Park had grown 7 fold to more than 30,000, while the County doubled to 181,000. Today Clifton Park is estimated to have 37,000 residents and the County stands at approximately 228,000. People are always surprised to learn the largest total number of students that attended Shen in a given year was 1976, but when reviewing these Census figures it begins to make sense.
Many factors dictate the prospect of rising property values, but tax levels are the largest indicator. In most instances, if your taxes are lower you will be able to sell your house at a higher price. The converse is true. If your municipality’s tax rates are trending favorably to others in your peer group, the odds your property value will increase on average are increased. It is important to compare tax rates within your peer group. This is true of counties as well. Saratoga County offers a very diverse style of living. Larger municipalities offer one option, while our more rural, less populated communities offer a different environment.
Regardless of where you live in Saratoga County there are some characteristics of County Government that have remained true and led to our County being a place people are choosing to move to in droves. Saratoga County has long been the least or close to the lowest taxed County in New York State. Fiscal conservatism, sharing services, constraining property taxes and remaining focused on the important matters of the day have long been the hallmark of Saratoga County Government. There is a reason the County has low taxes. There is a cause and effect why we have experienced rising property values? There is no doubt why people want to invest in Saratoga County-a low cost place to live and operate a business.
The County elected leaders over the years have made some very good decisions that have led to Saratoga County being a place where people have flocked to from all over the region and state. Centralized services such as a County Sewer system, Water system, Sheriff’s Department, Animal Shelter, Veterans’ Services and other important offerings have played a key role in reducing the cost of providing services on a macro basis and reducing governmental expenses for local governments. I was an original member of the County Water Committee, Chaired by former Ballston Supervisor Ray Callanan, that first considered the idea of a County Water System. During that time there was not broad interest in the idea. As interest grew and more people became involved, I soured on the plan that was presented more than 10 years ago, because some wanted Clifton Park to subsidize the system. As the only large buyer of water in the formative years of the system, we were subsidizing the system, but receiving a product in return. That is where Clifton Park’s subsidy would end. If the County has a County Water System, and it should, then the County should subsidize it- and it has. Same is true for my public concerns expressed about the need for more Sheriff Deputies. If the County has a County Sheriff’s Department, and it should, then the County should ensure it has all the resources necessary- and it will.
Saratoga County is in an enviable fiscal situation for a reason. People who move here every day vote with their feet based on real life reasons. And all of this doesn’t happen by accident. It has occurred through smart, careful, proactive planning and execution. It is no secret I have disagreed with my colleagues on certain items over the years and I expect we will have more disagreements in the future. However, I would not trade living in Saratoga County for anywhere else in NYS. I truly believe our County is well positioned to continue to be successful if we continue to remain focused on the proper priorities. We should look forward to more robust public discussions in the future. We all want the same results, but at times differ how we achieve the County’s goals. Of course, this enviable position and positive economic environment has also led to development pressures in many of our communities.
As I stood next to Sheriff Zurlo, a couple of my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and a few school administrators from across the County on Thursday as we announced the School Resource Officer Program, I had one thought come to mind. This is the Saratoga County I Know. A County that has a tremendous policing agency led by Sheriff Zurlo and a Board of Supervisors taking a proactive approach to the concerns of our residents with an unwavering support of Public Safety. Law enforcement provides protection for us in buildings, public events, etc. They are there for us each and every day in our communities. Why not in our schools?
Saratoga County has taken another positive step in partnership with interested school districts to provide a valuable service to our growing population. Another reason to move here? Perhaps. But, then again if you come to know the Saratoga County I Know. That will likely be enough to convince you.
Clifton Park and Beyond 