Preliminary 2024 Budget - Public Hearing

The Town Board held a special meeting on November 9 -- ostensibly to get feedback from the public hearing on a preliminary 2024 budget. The Town Supervisor was not present, because he needed to attend to "an important phone call", so the running of the meeting fell to the deputy supervisor - council member Beale.

The published preliminary budget shows a tax levy decrease of over $500,000 from last years adopted budget -- a -7.93% year to year change. Given that last year's tax levy increase from the prior year was 8% (check your tax bills), this incredible swing - given that each of the department heads came to the Town Board requesting budget increases because of increasing costs, increasing salaries etc. -- this swing seems a bit suspicious. The Board assures us that work will continue over the weekend and a final budget will be presented at the board meeting on November 13 - which will reflect consistency in salaries, understand the impact on the fund balance and that they are very mindful of the states requirement of a 2% tax levy cap. Council Member Beale than asserted, with no details, that the town has the lowest tax rates as compared with neighboring towns, a point that was not being questioned during the public hearing -- the rate of tax levy changes was being questioned.

The Board tabled a resolution regarding a stipulation of an agreement signed as a resolution to a law suit by Downey Energy against the Town.... continuing the mystery of the suit, the implications to the town, the planning process and the town's zoning code.

The Board members expressed their thanks to the residents who voted (all four members in attendance were re-elected). The board adjourned to executive session at 7:17 pm to discuss contraction negotiations and litigation, returning at 8:00 pm with the announcement that no action was taken in executive session.

Veterans' day ceremonies and the craft show will be taking place at the town hall this Saturday.

It will be a busy weekend for our intrepid board members.