Goshen board adopts revised preliminary 2026 budget after public hearing

The Town of Goshen Board voted on Oct. 23 to adopt a revised preliminary budget for 2026 after a public hearing in which residents and board members questioned fund balances, grant revenues and program line items.

Speaker 1 opened the hearing and outlined key revisions: higher employee medical premiums, a $200 increase to highway secretary pay, DA phone equipment costs rising from 75,000 to 85,000, and replacement orders for two International dump trucks to replace older units. The board also appropriated $300,000 from a fund balance into contingency to strengthen year‑end reserves and address a recent S&P review.

Supporters and residents pressed for clarity on fund balances and revenue sources. One resident noted difficulty reading the document and asked where the available cash was; town staff explained the difference between the operating account and funds invested in New York Class and confirmed recent grant receipts tied to local projects such as Arcadia Hills.

The board discussed personnel and services: rather than add a full‑time Civil Service (CSEA) position, members agreed to a seasonal six‑month hire to cover cemetery and summer maintenance costs—an approach the supervisor said would be offset by roughly $41,000 in avoided contractor fees.

A motion to adopt the revised preliminary budget was made, seconded and carried on a roll call vote: Council member Gallo — Aye; Council member Florio — Aye; Council member Lyons — Aye; Council member Cantarino — Aye; Supervisor Batchett — Aye. The board noted the preliminary budget is subject to required hearings and subsequent adoption steps.

The meeting closed the budget public hearing and advanced other agenda items, including environmental review determinations and local resolutions.