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Tonawanda council amends mayor’s budget, restores reserves and approves 4.5% tax levy increase
Summary
After hours of debate the Tonawanda Common Council adopted a package of line‑item cuts that restored $598,736.30 to reserves and passed an amendment setting the 2026 property tax levy at $16,252,698 (a 4.5% increase) to reduce reliance on fund balance. The changes passed by recorded roll calls.
The Tonawanda Common Council adopted a package of budget amendments on Nov. 18 that restores $598,736.30 to the city’s reserve fund and sets a new 2026 property tax levy of $16,252,698 — a 4.5% increase from the current levy — after an extended informal workshop on the mayor’s proposed budget.
The council’s amendment deleted or reduced a number of expenditure lines to replenish reserves and avoid a deeper drawdown of the general fund. The clerk read the adopted changes into the record: a $90,000 cut to reassessment project expenses; small transfers moving youth board salary to a new youth athletics equipment line; a $1,236.30 reduction to the city attorney salary line; a combined $7,500 reduction to police and fire awards; a $300,000 reduction to retirement costs; $50,000 trimmed from professional services; $50,000 removed…
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