Troy Mayor Patrick Madden struck an optimistic tone in his second State of the City address Thursday. It came after a contentious budget season that resulted in a 14.5 percent property tax hike, down from the 28 percent raise originally put forth by Mayor Madden. 

"The final product, a bipartisan effort, included both a significant tax increase and substantial spending cuts," Madden said. "As I said, it was no one’s first choice, but it was necessary to stabilize our finances.”

Madden touted development in downtown Troy, a growing number of small businesses, proposals to redevelop the vacant One Monument Square, and a reduction in crime. He also touted a $13 million federal grant to raise and repair the city’s seawall.

The mayor pledged to fight state funding to repair the city’s aging infrastructure, following a pair of costly water main breaks.

"We have a moral obligation to maintain that system," Madden said.

Republican City Council President Carmella Mantello says she would liked to have heard how the momentum of downtown can be brought the city’s neighborhoods and specifics on how the city can address its financial challenges.

"I think the people of Troy who were just hit with a 14.5 percent tax hike -- they were looking at a 28 percent -- I think they’re very nervous what is in store for this year," Mantello said.

Madden closed his speech by expressing confidence in Troy’s future. 

Mantello will have opportunity to formally respond to the mayor’s State of the City at a meeting next month. That's when she will deliver what is called the "legislative response."