[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6582193,"mediaKeyId","3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1","parentId",3146780,"title","Ballston Spa mayor says library closed after tests found joint compound asbestos; preliminary cost estimate up to about $250,000","audioSeconds",444,"startMs",4758000,"endMs",5202000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1&start=4758&end=5202","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1/thumbnail_4758000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6582193/Ballston-Spa/Saratoga-County/New-York/Ballston-Spa-mayor-says-library-closed-after-tests-found-joint-compound-asbestos-preliminary-cost-estimate-up-to-about-250000","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582193-1c40a8e60abd3a9a08ce7e702d522169/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191350&Signature=AqESZkSumoDyAnErBHHNp4bEo-mGNNvF0Tv2DCqt~UAAudlhxwBEcpKGT08oubjMKfpStT1PbXuViwqkcZvv-8XslGkUBcel~btH7Cex5250qqZJv600Ta3FC43XPAXt--fv5BsQ9X~6Mkq0y6p9QsbX39sIJrAez2-fUvwRJZT5nDkcdJjHznzQAXyicPx4f0cacC645ZjjFqZrvlhtPNmX5U4IWIqyxytdNcsUNEWr5lWI3bfMRSj0Ni8ll~vANR5qkljkB88A8CasQC87AAqd843XvemYviRWvCAr~zWOpiCqBt7nnuOgz8d6rDF1bcGxwXPy79ReSWWF9Q5CoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ballston Spa, NY","date","2025-04-29T14:21:44.157Z","article","Mayor Frank Rossi told the Board of Trustees on April 28 that testing at the Ballston Spa public library detected asbestos in joint compound inside some walls, prompting an immediate closure of at least parts of the building and a plan to bundle required remediation work into a single variance application to state environmental or health regulators.

\"Joint compounds in some of the walls did show signs of asbestos,\" Rossi said, and the village will seek the proper variance and package related repairs so work can be done comprehensively rather than in piecemeal steps.

Rossi said the village expects insurance to cover damage tied to the recent interior water intrusion or flood event minus the deductible, but that preexisting conditions (such as attic materials) are the village’s responsibility. He said one roofing estimate using prevailing wage for the full roof came back above $60,000; continuing work and attic remediation could raise the total bill. \"I'm gonna tell you it's probably a quarter million dollars in total right now,\" Rossi said as a worst‑case planning number, adding staff hoped to reduce the estimate and would report back.

The village is working with Servpro (for initial mitigation) and with the village’s usual asbestos consultant (Ambient, as referenced in the meeting) to develop a remediation plan and the variance application. Trustees and staff discussed options for library staff to continue work remotely, to provide curbside service where possible, and to run some summer programming offsite.

Why it matters: The library is a key public service and host of children’s programming. A multi‑month closure or extended remediation could affect summer reading programs and access for residents who rely on library services.

What happens next: Staff and the library board are to finalize testing, submit the variance package to the appropriate state regulator (DEC or DOH as applicable), obtain bids/RFPs as required, and coordinate insurance claims. Mayor and staff said they aimed to limit disruption and to get library services back as quickly as possible, with an initial planning estimate of roughly $200,000–$250,000 (subject to testing and insurance adjustments).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees Meeting 4/28/25","oneSentenceSummary","The village announced April 28 that testing at Ballston Spa’s public library found asbestos in joint compound inside some walls; the village will seek a variance and bundle repairs, and officials cited a preliminary worst‑case remediation estimate in the low‑hundreds of thousands of dollars.","taxTitle","Ballston Spa, Saratoga County, New York","taxId",62389,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6582198,"Ballston Spa trustees approve water, sewer rate increases tied to budget",671,4020000,4691000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1&start=4020&end=4691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1/thumbnail_4020000.jpg","/articles/6582198/Ballston-Spa/Saratoga-County/New-York/Ballston-Spa-trustees-approve-water-sewer-rate-increases-tied-to-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582198-849f6f86a9da52c0ef06ff319ea6f2d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191350&Signature=G4zTGOObVu4QIENLUkNEUWTtrglV6gn4R3t3OJwqzPj03BB84gvtSYWESkM234uI0kQoaKyEQuPUssZ7HtRWTwAwdONo9fyXuV4QVG0HXCpQRfqVOaa3zJ6ESPHSxDiArH4hO~uV9QvEAZXNwcjxGAlbohn~lqydp1D~HLaZl9~M-cDOd8I2X578okwWv8VD-j0cNFzPb9KpyYhsz4uzvzupCQFLBI5bxrRZbOKFjP1UnoOFtpy~H-ZOx5sKLTvksGUwXZ~jU3fJh99x8N5tdKsY5q4xEHLuuHc~zMEnmu9uNE99WGQvF8BuJzCZbCqOxl1ZkvWrO2nXqQIwlrWehA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees voted April 28 to increase water and sewer rates as part of the fiscal 2025–26 budget package.

The motion adopted by the board directs a 6.5% rate increase for all water usage and a 6.5% increase for all sewer usage. The motion also implemented a 15% rate reduction for in‑village sewer only and a 7.5% increase for in‑village water only, and included procedural clarifications moving storm sewer accounting between funds.

The rate changes were discussed during public comment. One resident who identified himself as Lawton urged the board to set an in‑village base water charge near $85 per six-month billing period to better reflect cost of production; other commenters asked that the outside‑village rate be set as a concrete dollar amount rather than a multiple of the in‑village rate. \"Water is a utility. It should not cost the municipality money or make money for its residents,\" Lawton told trustees.

Trustees said the board weighed regional comparators, operating costs and forthcoming growth in customer base (including potential new development in the Milltown area) when approving the changes. Trustee commentary indicated officials expect some near‑term capital spending and possible automation/metering upgrades that will increase system costs in future years.

The motion carried on roll call (board members recorded in roll-call discussion said they would vote yes); a board member recorded earlier as Trustee Daskin said she would vote yes and the roll-call recorded multiple yes votes leading to approval.

Why it matters: Water and sewer rate changes affect household and business bills and finance ongoing operations, meter upgrades and planned water‑system expansion. Board members said the increases are intended to reduce subsidization by the general fund and to position the utility for future capital needs.

What happens next: Staff said water bills and new rates will be reflected in the June 1 billing cycle; the village office is preparing billing and notices to customers. The board also asked staff and the revenue advisory group to continue developing longer-term rate options and alternatives.","Following adoption of the fiscal 2025–26 budget, the board approved a package of water and sewer rate changes that raise system rates and change the in‑village/outsider rate structure.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6582203,"Ballston Spa trustees approve fiscal 2025–26 budget after contentious debate",2233,1759000,3992000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1&start=1759&end=3992","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1/thumbnail_1759000.jpg","/articles/6582203/Ballston-Spa/Saratoga-County/New-York/Ballston-Spa-trustees-approve-fiscal-202526-budget-after-contentious-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582203-85d236a6f5931b7ea8dc70e68bb2f77b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191350&Signature=i31gy0f5K9Up7TpcLjEtcvY7VMB2HzzsHesRWw3DPxoMhXN835kXWiWy91LK-ajNBqFlpqJQ9hZGbFAFmbsia0RTPABJ9p9U7-bOJnk4iN2qSbQBKPjsKFEn5wT86mMXot92RiDiRd0QPk3xEavYURKUzEIKvGy0eszykO4NhqeySzSTvxoLXol0qHOjQuhOHN2Zj61xI25NnZZkSR-r~TrC2sm2ArBgLlKMFI0ZOVt7u6NfkHhLF3pcaWGf9u62hnTaStDCWJCtfNTTPH1YjbpowU51vsI19cdXQnhWCzTrqkcXNZWX3hJ7gXZVvbSqcZ8q8qHjBo6eS9gRl5iozA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees voted 3–2 April 28 to adopt the final budget for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2025, and ending May 31, 2026, following an extended debate about reserve funds, alleged “padding” of department lines and the board’s involvement in the workshop process.

The vote followed public comments urging greater transparency and several trustees pressing the mayor to move planned capital funding into formal reserve accounts rather than listing large amounts inside operating lines.

The budget includes a capital plan that Mayor Frank Rossi described in his executive summary as a roughly $12,500,000 list of contemplated projects. Trustee Price Bush said the budget was “bloated” and criticized specific line-item increases she said had been added by the mayor rather than requested by departments. “As I stated in the budget workshop, I am not comfortable with the way that we are setting aside reserve funds. I think they should be put in the reserve fund,” Price Bush said during debate.

Mayor Frank Rossi defended the timing and content of the tentative budget and the workshop process, saying he had presented the tentative budget as his responsibility and that workshops were the trustees’ opportunity to convene and propose changes. “I presented a tentative budget as is my responsibility, and my job from there is only to facilitate a workshop,” Rossi said.

Trustees and public commenters pressed several related points during the discussion:
- Several residents and speakers at public comment urged use of formal reserve funds rather than running large operating-line “rollovers” at year-end.
- A public commenter and a trustee criticized the administration for scheduling the public hearing and the budget workshop dates in a way that limited trustees’ ability to propose changes before the public hearing closed.
- Trustee Price Bush cited line‑item differences between department requests and mayoral allocations for several fire-related and sidewalk items and said the mayor had added transfers she characterized as “padding” for equipment reserves.

After discussion, the board took a roll-call vote. The record shows the motion to approve the attached proposed final budget carried by a 3–2 margin. The board then moved to implement rate and fee changes that are tied to the adopted budget (see separate coverage of water and sewer rates).

Why it matters: The budget sets operating and capital priorities for the village for the coming year, affects the property tax levy (the board debated a levy increase above the state tax cap), and determines the village’s immediate ability to fund infrastructure projects including sidewalks, the library, and fire equipment.

What happens next: The budget passed at the meeting will be implemented for fiscal 2025–26. Trustees and staff said they will continue work to formalize reserve funds and to move identified capital dollars into designated capital/project accounts where legally and practically feasible.

Votes at the meeting and related actions are recorded separately in the board’s official minutes.","The Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees voted 3–2 to adopt the final budget for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2025, after several trustees and members of the public criticized the mayor's allocations, reserve-funding approach and timing of the budget process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":92,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6582188,"Votes at a glance: Ballston Spa trustees’ actions, April 28, 2025",2806,1186000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1&start=1186&end=3992","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146780-3081807c776dfc3dcddb4dc480550aa1/thumbnail_1186000.jpg","/articles/6582188/Ballston-Spa/Saratoga-County/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Ballston-Spa-trustees-actions-April-28-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582188-2a3020568f540a63364a9795d3d1e668/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191350&Signature=caHdfog~VicP27QZDpTjWSTRklPtV47OhWQOdzsvz~K5KCHCrvUcTjkYhpF5cJnv-OptUoZ8UcXbqqnSIqN1ZuiSGA9TJokz4521UCfOHgaU7xCOPOz6h8kYyOCXEq0tfRi72JjhBeoelDSulYSGMuL3xvWDjma4mxa-9KtsnJAEgcafX0bjYwWxVjvN8Cb5ZCP9g3HXg5l-uz0B~mYwr6BNIPhTM2uMbhXwAft0KfP7gRV98AbRRcrfkBqslhFdUvH8q4qdHt2kEiDMdX0GrFKfuHq8V88gLzTkhOtOTgfMIX8FDNja~kRiqxMdrEdNxqn667~MX~KxOXyilPu61A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Trustees took the following formal actions at its April 28, 2025 meeting. This list summarizes the motion text as presented in the transcript, the mover/second when recorded, and the recorded outcome.

1) Approve minutes of April 14, 2025 (as amended)
- Motion: Approve the minutes of 04/14/2025 (amendment noted by trustee in meeting)
- Mover/Second: recorded in minutes (motion made by Trustee Van Danske; second Trustee Bishop as indicated in transcript context)
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

2) Set public hearing on Section 8 (walk-on), May 12, 2025, 7:01 p.m.
- Motion: Set public hearing for Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher materials for 05/12/2025 at 07:01 PM
- Mover: walk-on (notation in transcript)
- Outcome: Motion carries (passed)

3) Authorize Saratoga County Agricultural Society (Saratoga County fair) to hold fair July 22–27, 2025
- Motion: Authorize Saratoga County Agricultural Society to conduct fair July 22–07/27/2025
- Mover: Trustee (recorded as Trustee to name so); Second: Trustee Christ Bush (as recorded)
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

4) Approve Events Task Force permit: Hope for Children event, Kelly Park, May 10 (amended)
- Motion: Authorize Events Task Force to hold Hope for Children event in Kelly Park on May 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; permit language amended to remove a clause requiring village assumption of certain rights (amendment recorded)
- Mover: Trustee Baskin; Second: recorded
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote, as amended)

5) Grant permission to Sophie France d/b/a Channeling Canines LLC for workshops at Kelly Park dog park (multiple dates; rain dates provided)
- Motion: Grant permission for scheduled workshops on listed dates (proof of liability insurance provided)
- Mover: Trustee Condesa; Second: Trustee Price Bush
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

6) Authorize VSVPA to hold concerts in Iron Springs Park on Thursdays (June 26 to August 28, 2025)
- Motion: Authorize concerts; proof of liability insurance to be provided
- Mover: Trustee (recorded); Second: Trustee Fundings
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

7) Motion to attach all written statements submitted four days before a board meeting to minutes (post minutes and statements together)
- Motion: Attach written statements to minutes and post together on village website
- Mover: Trustee Gaskin; Second: Trustee Raymond
- Outcome: Motion failed (roll-call recorded as 2 ayes, 3 nays; did not carry)

8) Authorize Park and Street Boards to work with local businesses for sidewalk plantings (Bloom program) June 1–Sept 5, 2025
- Motion: Park and Street Boards to plan sidewalk plantings with businesses; must not interfere with ADA or egress
- Mover: Trustee Baskin
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

9) Adopt final budget for fiscal year 06/01/2025–05/31/2026
- Motion: Approve the proposed final budget as attached
- Mover: Trustee Fundanza; Second: Trustee Price Bush
- Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded as 3–2)

10) Approve water and sewer rate changes tied to the adopted budget (effective 06/01/2025)
- Motion: 6.5% rate increase for all water; 6.5% rate increase for all sewer; after changes a 15% rate reduction in in‑village sewer only and a 7.5% increase for in‑village water only (and reallocate storm sewer between funds)
- Mover: Trustee Fundanza; Second: Trustee unspecified
- Outcome: Approved (roll-call recorded; multiple trustees stated yes)

11) Set public hearing: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher PHA plan for 06/23/2025 at 7:01 p.m.
- Motion: Set public hearing for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher PHA Plan 06/23/2025 at 07:01 PM
- Mover: Trustee Bennett; Second: Trustee Raymond (discussion recorded)
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

12) Audit vouchers; adjourn
- Motion: Vouchers audited; adjourn meeting at 9:30 p.m.
- Mover: Trustee Baskin; Second: Trustee Price Bush
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

Notes on the record: Where the transcript did not record a full roll-call tally or a clearly named mover/second, this summary notes \"not specified.\" The full, official minutes posted by the village clerk should be consulted for the formal vote record and official mover/second attributions.","A concise list of motions and outcomes from the April 28 Board of Trustees meeting, including permits, event approvals, budget adoption and rate changes. Where the meeting recorded a roll call, that tally is shown; where movers/seconders or full tallies were not recorded in the transcript, the record is noted as \"not specified.\"","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ballston Spa mayor says library closed after tests found joint compound asbestos; preliminary cost estimate up to about $250,000

Ballston Spa trustees approve water, sewer rate increases tied to budget

Ballston Spa trustees approve fiscal 2025–26 budget after contentious debate

Votes at a glance: Ballston Spa trustees’ actions, April 28, 2025