Kenneth C. Crowe II is reporting in the Times Union property taxes in Rensselaer County will not change under its proposed 2018 budget, County Executive Kathleen Jimino said Fri., Oct. 20. This was Jimino's 17th and final county budget announcement, as she completes her fourth term in office. She is not seeking re-election in November. Looking ahead, Jimino touted the new upgrade to the public safety radio system scheduled to be online and completed in early 2018; an expanding tax base and sales tax revenue; the ongoing fight against opioid drug addiction through the county’s Heroin Coalition; saving on energy costs; updating county technology; and increasing the county budget reserves to $25 million. The $340.4 million spending plan increases spending by 1.2 percent; however, the average county property tax bill would remain fixed at $619 for a property valued at $100,000. The Rensselaer County Legislature has until December 1 to review, amend and adopt the budget. Read the full story in the Times Union.