Lansing board adopts local law to override tax levy limit to preserve budget flexibility

The Town of Lansing board voted to adopt Local Law No. 3 of 2026, a resolution to override the state tax levy limit, saying the measure preserves options ahead of the town's budget season.

Supporters on the board framed the move as a routine, administrative step to retain flexibility. "This is more or less an administrative type thing," the chair said, adding the town faces rising costs including double-digit increases in health insurance and higher utility bills. Another board member said passing the resolution now reduces future difficulty in responding to budget pressures because state rules limit what municipalities can do later.

Residents who spoke during the public hearing urged a different approach. "I am against the tax cap override," said John Duthy, a Lansing resident, citing unaffordability when town, county and school taxes are combined. He encouraged the board to prioritize needs over wants in the budget and to use the cap as a tool for fiscal discipline.

Board members also noted a financial-prudence rationale: a member warned that failing to pass such a resolution "potentially affects our bond rating" and can increase borrowing costs by reducing lenders' confidence in the municipality's flexibility.

The board moved and seconded the resolution and completed roll-call proceedings after discussion. The chair said the override does not obligate immediate tax increases but provides the board room to respond to unanticipated cost increases during the upcoming budget process.

The board then opened the meeting for public comment on unrelated items and moved on to department reports. The local law will give Lansing officials discretion during budget adoption and will be part of discussions in the coming weeks.