Town Board adopts 2026 budget

By JEFF MORRIS

The Town Board wrapped up development of the 2026 budget with a quick adoption at its Dec. 2 meeting.

A public hearing on the preliminary 2026 town budget had been left open on Nov. 18.

That hearing was resumed, and as at the previous meeting, there were no comments from any members of the public.

Supervisor Ellen Calves said the only update was that insurance rates had come in, and the estimated amounts to cover health benefits that were anticipated as a 10% increase were actually 9%, so they were “right on target.” 

The board quickly closed the hearing.

Council member Andrés Castillo said he thought it was a strong and responsible budget that “delivers tax relief at a time when costs are skyrocketing, and I think our residents will really appreciate this.”

At the same time, he said, it protects essential services, holds spending flat, reduces the townwide tax rate, remains “comfortably below” the state tax cap, avoids dependence on one-time revenues, and “reflects very healthy and careful planning throughout our departments.” 

He thanked Comptroller Brian Kenneally and department heads for their diligence in putting it together.

Council member Bobbi Bittker concurred, saying, “When neighboring towns are busting the tax cap, and for us to come well below it, I think everybody here is doing a phenomenal job.”

Calves added that while they were tightening their belts and remaining flat in spending at a time when costs were going up, they were able to reduce the levy due to the library tax being “moved over to a different line.” That occurred due to the referendum passed by voters on Nov. 4 that created a separate tax district and budget for the three town libraries.

As noted at previous meetings, the 2025 adopted town tax levy was $30,189,657; the 2026 levy with libraries included was $30,939,035 — a 2.48% increase. With $1,754,772 for the libraries removed, the tax levy for 2026 is now $29,184,263 — a 3.33% decrease.

The board quickly voted to adopt the budget.