Tonawanda council adopts local law to allow 2026 tax levy above state cap; approves contracts for roof, splash pad

The City of Tonawanda Common Council on the evening of the meeting adopted Local Law No. 1 (2025), authorizing the city to adopt a 2026 budget with a real property tax levy in excess of the limit set by New York State General Municipal Law, Article 2, Section 3C. The council also approved contract awards for the Department of Public Works administration building roof design and the Culver Park splash pad, and allowed audited bills. One resolution was tabled.

The local law authorizes the council to override the state tax cap for the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2026, as permitted by subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law Article 2, Section 3. Council members debated the measure before voting to adopt it by roll call. During the discussion, Council member Fisher said, “I will not ask our residents, our neighbors, to go above the tax cap and finance this,” arguing for cuts rather than a tax increase; other council members said they supported the law to give the mayor flexibility when preparing a budget.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 1 (motion to table): A motion by Council member Milam to table Resolution 1 was seconded by Council member Raumstrom/Roundstrom and the clerk called the roll; the resolution was declared…