Town of Stark adopts 2026 budget; levy impact about $0.08 per $1,000

The Town of Stark board voted unanimously on Nov. 6, 2025 to adopt the town's 2026 budget after a public hearing and line-item questions from residents.

Supervisor Bronner opened the hearing, answered questions about multiple line items and said the budget is tax-cap compliant. "The budget for this year is tax cap compliant for the property tax increase and (if figured correctly) is $.08 per 1000," he said. Councilman Jordan moved to adopt the budget and Councilman Gerhardt seconded; the board recorded a roll-call vote with all ayes and closed the public hearing later in the meeting.

Board members pressed for more detail on several capital and project costs, including the proposed sand/salt barn, which Bronner said will be included in next year's budget once project costs and property acquisition are finalized. He asked Eagle Associates to provide a spreadsheet showing possible uncovered costs — soft costs, in-kind grant reimbursements, engineering costs, property acquisition and the barn — for presentation at the next board meeting. Bronner also reported that the town's Volvo already is in the town's possession with the first payment due February 2026 and that a Mack truck is expected by January 2026 and its payments will appear in future years' budgets.

The board approved the budget by motion (mover: Councilman Jordan; second: Councilman Gerhardt) and a roll-call vote of five members in favor. The town will review the Eagle Associates cost spreadsheet at a subsequent meeting.