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Cheektowaga board splits over calling public hearing on tax-cap and timing of preliminary budget
Summary
Board members disagreed on whether to call public hearings on the town’s preliminary budget and whether budget changes should be published before early voting; a resolution to call a public hearing on exceeding the state tax cap was defeated after extended debate.
Town board members engaged in a prolonged debate about the timing of budget notices, public hearings and whether to call a hearing on exceeding the state tax‑cap authority.
Supervisor Brian Nowak and multiple council members discussed timelines required by New York town law and the practicalities of publishing preliminary budgets, calling for a public hearing, and meeting the Nov. 20 statutory adoption deadline. The board heard competing arguments: some members said calling a hearing was a transparency measure that would let residents weigh in, while others said the preliminary budget was not yet settled and calling a hearing before the board agreed on a majority preliminary would be procedurally premature.
A motion to call a public hearing on using the tax‑cap override mechanism (Resolution 2025‑6‑69) drew specific opposition. Council members expressed concern about raising taxes in a community that has repeatedly told the board taxes are already high; proponents said public input was useful even if the board ultimately rejected an override. After a roll‑call vote the motion to call the hearing was defeated.
Several related budget resolutions were pulled for further work, including the preliminary ad valorem budget and benefit‑basis assessments. Board members agreed to continue budget work in the coming weeks and discussed options such as longer public comment opportunities, special work sessions, using fund balances prudently, and whether bond financing or other strategies should be used for capital projects.
Town comptroller Brian Krause briefed the board on the need for a majority to coalesce around a preliminary budget before a formal public hearing can occur; he cautioned that while many board members have suggestions, the clerk needs a single preliminary to publish and open for hearing. The board left the items in procedural limbo, with some resolutions reintroduced or pulled for a special meeting in late October.
