Lessons in Accounting, Who is a Sr., Postal Service Issues, Fed Shutdown - oh Yes 2026 Town Budget Passed

The November 10 Town Board Meeting was a "can of worms" of statements, questions, issues -

After the normal beginning -- it opened with a public hearing on the budget. A resident complimented the Supervisor's actions over two years and said that his budget reflected that. Then began the discussions involving seniors... where did the $$ for the Senior Garden Club go? (it is there.. and will be made a separate line item), then a long discussion about how municipal accounting works to manage the revenue/expenses for Sr. Bus Trips, questions about special events, discussions on "what is a Senior" -- as in sometimes non-seniors go on the bus trips (it was a grandparent thing... Senior Grandparents wanting to have an experience with their grandchild), Bill Beale stating that a senior is age 55 and over, that is almost a senior, that is the "HUD" definition, etc. etc.

Then the consent agenda - all approved.

• Miracle Circle Bid -- the town is now is requesting bids for stormwater work because the developer hasn't addressed the water/drainage issue

• Funding $25,000 to replace Hometown Hero Banners (that were purchased by members of the public initially) - (lots of questions here that weren't asked - like "is this in perpetuity?", can new banners now be paid for by the town? this program that was started by a volunteer organization... will the town pick up responsiblities for other volunteer organizations?)

• Miracle Circle Accepted as a Town Road (with tax implications) because the developer has not addressed the issues and the residents on the road want better road conditions.

• Resolutions declaring November Native American month

Non Consent Agenda -

• the 2026 Town Budget - Approved

  • A number of adjustments were made to the budget but kept the same bottom line as the preliminary budget where the Tax Levy is under the state's mandated 2% tax cap increase

Then the "free forum" -- where the Wappingers Falls Postal Service was castigated (could we find out the detailed facts first -- some people are getting their mail late, some people are being requested to have colocated mail boxes -- is this a reflection of the over development in the town? just asking? the price of stamps are too high - ) and we're sure that David Steiner, the head of USPS was listening to the recommendations made by this town board... along with their opinions on the Federal Government Shutdown.