Ballston Spa approved a 17 percent property tax hike Monday. 

The finalized budget proposal actually comes in lower than a 26 percent levy increase in a failed proposal a few weeks back. 

Residents worked with the village at workshops and public hearings, but ultimately Ballston Spa is making some sacrifices in this year's budget. Among them: cuts to annual village-funded family events. 

"It was the right decision, but a very difficult decision, because many of those programs are very near and dear to me," said Mayor John Ramino.

In the long term, one board member says the village needs to look at building reserve funds to plan for long-term expenditures.