When Saratoga Springs City Hall caught fire after a lightning strike in mid-August, few immediately realized the building would be closed for months to come.

“We ended up relocating in a matter of a week to the recreation center; our emergency plan worked well,” said Saratoga Springs finance commissioner Michele Madigan.

The fire came as Madigan was beginning to prepare next year's city budget. The repair bill would come to just over $11.2 million. 

“We sort of re-prioritized and made City Hall our priority for the renovations. Some other projects that maybe we would have gone out to bond next year did not quite make it to the list this year," said Madigan.

Despite the unexpected expense, Madigan's $47.1 million spending plan only increases spending two percent from a year ago.

Taxes also remain almost flat, with an average tax increase of just 0.38 percent. She credits a robust fund balance and strong revenues. 

“Sales tax so far is trending excellent this year, as is occupancy tax, and NYRA admissions tax was up significantly for us this year as well,” said Madigan.

In addition to the repairs related to the lightning strike and fire, the city hall renovation will include a new elevator, a state mandated expansion of the city court, and an energy-efficient upgrade to the building’s heating and air conditioning system.

Given the challenges, Madigan believes the budget charts the best course for the city in the year ahead.

“I think the council and employees came together and we were able to put out a really great budget, and still maintain a very stable tax rate,” said Madigan.