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Pembroke board overrides tax levy limit and adopts 2026 budget
Summary
The Pembroke Town Board unanimously adopted Local Law No. 2 of 2025 to override the state tax levy limit and approved the 2026 budget, citing water/sewer debt as the reason for the override and agreeing to consult the auditor on a planned equipment purchase.
The Pembroke Town Board voted unanimously Nov. 13 to adopt Local Law No. 2 of 2025, which overrides the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c, and to approve the town’s 2026 budget.
Supervisor Thomas Schneider said the override is necessary to address outstanding water and sewer debt tied to ongoing utility projects. The board approved the 2026 budget as presented at the Oct. 23 public hearing; the proposed levy for 2026 is $1.43 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from $1.86 in 2025.
The board’s action to adopt the local law followed a motion by Supervisor Thomas Schneider, seconded by Deputy Supervisor Edward G. Arnold, Jr.; the recorded vote was Ayes: Arnold, Manne, Conti, Schneider; Nays: none. Councilman Thomas Dix had left the meeting earlier for personal reasons and did not participate in the vote. The Town Clerk was directed to file the adopted local law with the New York Secretary of State, at which point it becomes effective.
During discussion, board members considered adding the purchase of a new excavator to the 2026 budget. Highway Superintendent Scott Turner said he obtained a Sourcewell state-bid quote that best met the town’s specifications; the board decided to consult the town auditor about financing and to prepare a budget-amendment resolution if needed. Supervisor Schneider also reported that the NYS DEC completed its review of the town’s water projects and requested a $100 review fee.
Why it matters: adopting the override allows the town to fund obligations tied to water and sewer debt that, the board said, cannot be covered under the 2% cap. The Town Clerk will file the local law with the Department of State, and the board anticipates any budget amendments will be considered with input from the auditor.
