Cheektowaga Town Board made significant strides in enhancing community services and revenue generation during its meeting on April 8, 2025. A key resolution approved was the introduction of a local occupancy tax, aimed at generating additional revenue from hotels and motels within the town. The proposed tax, not to exceed 3%, is expected to provide financial relief amid ongoing budget pressures and inflation challenges. Council members expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to benefit local residents while ensuring that the tax primarily impacts non-residents utilizing hotel services.

In addition to the occupancy tax, the board addressed the procurement of refuse totes, approving the purchase of 195-gallon refuse lids at a unit price of $20 each. This decision aims to streamline waste management services and ensure that the town's sanitation department can effectively meet community needs.

The meeting also touched on staffing matters, with discussions surrounding seasonal employee wages in the sanitation department. Council members acknowledged the importance of competitive wages to attract and retain staff, particularly as the town prepares for the upcoming grass pickup season.

However, not all resolutions passed smoothly. A proposal to formalize the role of an unlicensed engineer within the highway department faced opposition, ultimately being defeated. Concerns were raised about the implications of allowing unlicensed personnel to oversee infrastructure projects, prompting a call for more stringent oversight.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town board's commitment to improving services and addressing financial challenges while navigating complex staffing and regulatory issues. As the board moves forward, the approved resolutions are expected to have a lasting impact on the community's well-being and operational efficiency.