Erie County’s $1.6 billion budget for next year is one step closer to being passed.

The Erie County Fiscal Stability unanimously approved the proposed 2022 financial plan.

County legislators must vote on the budget by December 2.

Highlights include a 14% decrease in property taxes, dropping to what Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says is the county’s lowest property tax rate since 1960.

Additionally, $44.8 million is budgeted for road and bridge infrastructure repairs and $24 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan is also included in the budget for COVID-19 response and small business renovation.