Irondequoit previews tentative 2026 budget; tax rate to rise slightly

Supervisor Evans told the Town Board on Oct. 21 that the tentative 2026 budget is balanced and designed to maintain services while absorbing wage and benefit growth.

"The total appropriations are 44.77 million. Total revenues are about 29 million and [the] real property tax levy is 19.78 [million]," Supervisor Evans said, and added that the tentative tax rate would increase slightly to 4.7596 per $1,000. He said the town’s equalization rate at 84% helps offset part of the shift in the tax rate.

Madam Controller presented year‑to‑date fiscal context later in the meeting, underscoring that figures are provisional and will change as departments submit final requests. The supervisor flagged cost pressures including a projected double‑digit increase in health care costs (discussed in the meeting as roughly 13%) and rising retirement obligations.

The board adopted a resolution calling a public hearing on the 2026 preliminary budget for Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7:35 p.m., and scheduled a special meeting for final action on Oct. 27. Supervisor Evans said he was still reviewing the draft to identify additional savings before filing the tentative budget.

Why it matters: The numbers presented set the parameters for public comment and departmental adjustments before a final budget vote. The announced hearing gives residents a formal opportunity to review and comment on tax and spending choices.

What’s next: The board will hold the hearing Nov. 6 and consider the preliminary budget at a special board meeting Oct. 27; figures are tentative until the board adopts a final budget.