Lancaster holds public hearings on 2026 preliminary and special‑district budgets; questions raised about Boys & Girls Club funding and sports complex plans

The Lancaster Town Board held two public hearings Nov. 3 on the town's 2026 preliminary budget and on special-district assessments, and heard questions from residents about nonprofit funding and capital projects.

Resident Tom Sweeney asked whether the Boys & Girls Club had requested an increase from the proposed $150,000 line item to $245,000. "Has anyone from the Boys and Girls Club reached out either verbally or in writing to increase the $150,000 proposed budget of the Boys and Girls Club?" he asked. Town finance staff told the board they had not received an official request and that any proposed change should be submitted in writing to the town's chief financial officer before final passage.

Supervisor Leary used the hearing to showcase recent capital work and explain how tax dollars were used, including photos of the newly opened Walden Pond Sports Complex (officially opened Oct. 25). Leary described plans to add bleachers that would seat approximately 503 people and meet ADA requirements, and said the town is exploring installing an additional turf field at Westwood Park with a field donated by ATURF; the town would pay installation costs.

Board members and department heads also reviewed other line items and capital purchases at the hearing. Finance staff emphasized that formal requests and changes to the preliminary budget must come through the finance office in writing; the board noted there remains time before final adoption for organizations to submit materials. The public hearings were closed by motion and roll call and the board will consider final adoption in subsequent public meetings.