Ballston Spa trustees adopt $7.5M budget after debate over $9,000 tax-cap overage; board approves multiple contracts and rate increases

The Ballston Spa Board of Trustees on April 20 adopted a final fiscal 2026-27 budget of roughly $7.5 million after a contentious exchange over a tax-cap overage and sidewalk funding.

Mayor Rebecca Rossi, who led the budget presentation, said the village would use $132,500 from fund balance and add $37,500 to the operating budget for sidewalk work, and that the village plans to create a sidewalk reserve and loan pool over time. "We are taking $132,500 from fund balance, and that is appropriated fund balance A0914," Rossi said, explaining that the $132,500 is not new spending this year but an accounting of reserve usage.

Trustee Bernardet pressed for a $10,000 reduction to bring the levy under the cap, arguing the board could find modest savings. "Is there anything else we can cut even a thousand?" Bernardet asked. Bernardet ultimately cast the lone no vote when the budget passed by a 4-1 margin.

Board members and staff discussed how assessed-value growth and sales-tax changes at the county level affect the village's ability to stay under the state tax cap. Rossi said higher sales tax tied to county rate increases or new development would provide material revenue: "If the county goes to 8%, that change alone would mean for the village about $480,000 a year in revenue," Rossi said.

Votes at a glance

- Final adoption of fiscal year 2026-27 budget (motion as amended): Passed, roll call approximately 4-1 (yes 4, no 1). (See timeline for motion provenance.) - Water and sewer rate increase (4.5% effective billing period 2027-1): Passed, voice vote recorded 3-1 (mayor did not vote on voice votes). - Income survey services agreement with G&G Municipal Consulting ($19,900): Passed. - Invoice to Steuart & Stevenson for emergency fire truck repair ($17,191.37): Passed. - Contract change order #1 for Trinity Construction (Milton WD3 improvements): Passed; change order amount listed in the transcript is unclear but members said it fits within the previously authorized contingency.

Other details and context

Trustees questioned the long-term affordability of planned capital projects, including an estimated $4.5 million to $5 million in DPW building work and further sidewalk needs. Rossi noted the village has "$12.5 million of things to do and $5.5 million to do it," and warned of pension and benefit cost pressures from state retirement-tier changes. He urged trustees to balance near-term capital needs with long-term obligations.

On utility rates, trustees approved a 4.5% increase in water and sewer rates (3.25% attributed to inflation; 1.25% routed to the water-tower reserve). Trustee Price Bush, who seconded the motion, said the village is planning for growth in connections and potential meter upgrades that will affect future revenue and costs.

The board also authorized an income-survey and grant-writing contract to support planning for revenue and grant opportunities and approved a contract change order for Milton Water District 3 improvements; the change order was said to remain within the previously approved contingency.

What's next

Trustees plan a special meeting in early May to continue zoning-code work and to discuss budgets and capital priorities further; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 11. The budget takes effect for fiscal year 2026-27 as adopted.