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Budget hearing spotlights $15,000 request for 'Community Center Without Walls' amid broader 2026 budget presentation
Summary
Comptroller presented a 2026 preliminary budget showing a $86.8M tax levy (about $3.0M over cap), a $51M capital program, and projected borrowing. Public commenters urged the town to fund a $15,000 community youth program (Community Center Without Walls) and pressed the board to assess usage of the Theodore Young/Fairview community center.
Comptroller Gutwein presented the Town of Greenberg’s 2026 preliminary budget, including a $86,800,000 proposed tax levy (reported about $3,000,000 above the State tax‑levy cap), projected appropriations from the fund balance, wage and benefit increases, and a reduced capital program of about $51,000,000 (down from an original $62.7M request) financed in part by long‑term borrowing. Gutwein said borrowing would carry an average term near 15 years with the first payments in June 2027 and outlined anticipated annual debt service for A and B funds.
Much of the subsequent public hearing turned to a single budget request that drew sustained comment: $15,000 included in the supervisor’s tentative budget for 'Community Center Without Walls,' a new 501(c)(3) program led by Clifton (Cliff) Abrams. Supporters — including Trustee Adonis Mann, local educators, program co‑chairs and multiple residents — described youth outcomes from the pilot year: mentoring, arts exposure (Broadway trips), college tours, leadership development, and a recent partnership that helped distribute food during the volunteers’ turkey giveaway. Kisha Hope (co‑chair) and Clifton Abrams outlined a youth leadership academy and asked the board to match a $15,000 county grant and consider the program a town‑partner opportunity.
Several residents urged a needs assessment of the Theodore Young/Fairview Community Center (which some speakers said appears under‑utilized) and asked that the town collaborate with community groups to design programs residents will attend. Town staff and the commissioner of community resources responded that the center runs multiple programs (teen lounge, dance, computer lab, college tours) and invited residents to meet with staff to identify gaps and opportunities.
The Town Board moved to adjourn the budget hearing and related hearings to December 10 to allow time for review and follow‑up. Board members encouraged staff to prepare recruitment and program reports, and asked that grant and capital‑funding verbiage be checked for flexibility if external grants arrive.
Why it matters: The budget sets tax and capital priorities and the discussion illustrated how a modest town appropriation can become the focal point of community priorities about youth services and program partnerships.
