Fredonia residents decry proposed 2025–26 budget as trustees set hearing on vendor local law

Residents and other attendees at a Village of Fredonia public hearing on the proposed 2025–26 budget urged trustees to explain recent borrowing, curb spending and consider consolidation as the board moved to schedule a separate hearing on a proposed local vendors law.

The most immediate issue for many speakers was the proposed tax increase tied to the draft budget. "I'm looking all of you and I obviously know these taxes are going up. You're driving me out of my home because pretty soon I can't afford to live there anymore," said Donna, a resident during the public comment portion. Kathy Furness said she expected an increase she could not afford: "I'm not sure how much this is going to increase my taxes... I imagine a $100 a month. I'm not sure where you think I'm gonna pull that out of. It's ridiculous."

The draft budget figures presented by staff showed total revenue across three funds of $13,109,011 and expenses of $12,784,546. The presentation noted a property tax rate of $61.29 per $1,000 of assessed value, an increase of $24.43 per $1,000 that the village estimated would amount to about $540 on an…