Town of Union board adopts 2026 budget, approves snow-emergency parking changes and sells surplus truck

Supervisor Robert Mack and the Town of Union Board on Wednesday approved the town's 2026 final budget and the 2026 annual fire contracts, adopted amendments to the town' s snow-emergency parking law and completed several other routine actions at its Nov. 19 meeting in Endwell.

The board approved the measures by recorded resolutions moved by Councilman Thomas R. Augostini and seconded by Councilman Frank J. Bertoni; each recorded resolution carried unanimously among members present (Supervisor Robert Mack, Councilmen Augostini, Bertoni and David Kudgus). Councilman Joseph P. Nirchi Sr. was recorded as absent.

Why it matters: adopting the town's 2026 budget finalizes the town financial plan and authorizes annual fire protection contracts for the fire protection districts; the adopted parking amendments were cleared by a SEQR negative declaration ahead of formal local-law adoption.

Key votes and administrative actions

- 2026 Final Budget and 2026 Annual Fire Contracts: The board approved a prepared resolution adopting the 2026 Final Town of Union Budget and the 2026 Annual Fire Contracts. The resolution was moved by Councilman Thomas R. Augostini and seconded by Councilman Frank J. Bertoni; Vote: Supervisor Robert Mack, Councilmen Augostini, Bertoni and David Kudgus voted yes. (SEG 015 )

- Snow-emergency parking law and SEQR finding: The board reviewed Parts 1 and 2 of the SEQR EAF, voted to declare a negative declaration, and approved changes and additions to Chapter 178, Article III, Parking During Snow Emergencies. Supervisor Robert Mack was authorized to execute Part 3 of the SEQR form. Resolution by Augostini, seconded by Bertoni; Vote: all yes. A related resolution calls a public hearing on amendments to Chapter 191, Article X, Section 191-24 (Removal and Storage of Vehicles) for Dec. 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM to solicit public input. (SEG 015-019)

- 2025 budget transfers and tax-levy submission items: The board approved several 2025 budget transfers, including a $15,000 reallocation from tipping fees to septic tank cleaning and smaller transfers affecting equipment, signage and office furniture accounts. The board also approved tax-levy submission items to Broome County that list election costs of $148,221 and a total submission of $265,134.76 to be submitted prior to Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. Motion by Augostini, seconded by Bertoni; carried. (SEG 020-025)

- Sale of surplus dump truck: The board approved selling surplus dump truck E30 (2005 Mack CV7, VIN 1M2AG11C85M019874) to the Town of Colesville for $32,100. The truck had been listed in a recent auction and Colesville offered the high bid. Resolution by Bertoni, seconded by Augostini; Vote: all yes. (SEG 026-029)

- Glendale Park heating-unit replacement: The board approved replacing the heating unit in the Glendale Park maintenance building after reviewing three quotes: Appolo Heating ($4,973), ANC ($4,983) and P&J ($5,400). Resolution by Councilman David Kudgus, seconded by Councilman Frank J. Bertoni; Vote: all yes. (SEG 030-038)

Other business and public comment

- Girl Scout Troop 30084: An email from Jennifer Casey, leader of Girl Scout Troop 30084, requesting permission to install and maintain a buddy bench, blessing box, reading box, kindness rocks, a dog-waste-bag dispenser, a garbage can and a water-bowl station at Glendale Park was referred to the Commission of Public Works and the deputy commissioner for recreation for follow-up. (SEG 009-014)

- Hearing of visitors: Rob Brady (3116 Kennsington Rd) asked about the final decision on snow parking; Supervisor Robert Mack said that during any declared snow event vehicles must be removed from the roads. Carol Laskowski (37 Edwards St) said she finds the recent Johnson City mayoral election results suspicious; no board response is recorded in the minutes. The board received and filed departmental reports including the Town Clerk monthly report and two Zoning Board of Appeals decisions. (SEG 039-044)

The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 PM. Town Clerk Leonard J. Perfetti signed the minutes. (SEG 045-049)