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Town board approves water-rate increase and several contracts; introduces two local laws
Summary
At the meeting the Town Board approved a $1/1,000-gallon water rate increase (effective Jan. 1, 2027), accepted bids for a Carpenter Park ADA walkway and highway department air-conditioning, approved budget amendments, appointed a part-time police officer and introduced two local laws subject to referendum.
The Town Board voted on a package of financial and operational measures at the meeting, including a water-rate increase, procurement awards, budget changes, a personnel appointment and the introduction of two local laws.
Water rates: The board approved a resolution to raise water billing rates to $11 per 1,000 gallons effective Jan. 1, 2027, a $1 increase. A motion to adopt the rate change was made and seconded; the board conducted a roll-call vote. The tally was 4–1 in favor: Supervisor Holdridge — Aye; Council member Becker — Aye; Council member Casara — No; Council member Courtney — Aye; Council member Diffley — Aye. The board said the policy shifts cost from property taxes to usage billing so water rates better cover delivery and maintenance costs.
Carpenter Park ADA walkway: The board accepted the engineerrecommended low bid from Consorti (about $84,000), funded in part by a $95,000 CDBG grant tied to ADA compliance. The supervisor described the scope: an accessible loop around ball fields connecting the playground, concession stand, restrooms and parking. The grant requires work to be completed within the specified time frame; project inspections will be performed by the engineer during construction.
Highway department HVAC: The board accepted the lowest bid for central air at the highway department (Quality Heating & Cooling) at $26,025, which was under the $30,000 budgeted amount.
Budget amendments: The comptroller explained that several amendments reallocated fund balances and covered equipment purchases (examples cited included a chlorinator and control-panel work for Lake Hill Farms water district). After explanation, the board approved the amendments.
Personnel appointment: Following an executive session for personnel matters, the board voted to appoint Mr. Amorzano to a part-time police officer position vacated by Officer Balgobin; the appointment was effective the next day and the appointee took the oath of office on the record.
Local laws introduced: The board introduced Introductory Local Law 4 of 2026 to implement a 0.75% real estate transfer tax to fund the Community Preservation Fund and set a public hearing for July 22; the attorney described the transfer tax and declared the board lead agency under SEQRA. The board also introduced Introductory Local Law 5 to convert the highway superintendent from an elected to an appointed position (two-year term), set a July 22 public hearing, and noted both measures are subject to mandatory referendum.
Next steps: The board will hold the scheduled July hearings and continue to review submitted comments, project specifications and contract details where necessary.
