AMENIA — Following weeks of meetings and review, the 2026 Preliminary Town Budget is scheduled for a public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 6, during the Town Board meeting beginning at 7 p.m.
The 2026 proposed budget shows total appropriations of $3,355,262 for the General Fund and $1,338,902 from the Highway Fund, or a total of $4,694,165, an increase of $543,570 over the current year.
Once expected revenues are applied, the General Fund amount is reduced to $1,930,638 and the Highway Fund to $906,562, for a total of $2,837,201 that will need to be raised by taxes, an increase of $143,126 over the current year.
A significant increase in the cost for ambulance service is anticipated, showing a total of $639,900, an increase of $159,138 over 2025 levels. The cost for the coming year is nearly 20% of the General Fund.
If the 2026 Preliminary Budget is approved, the mill rate for total town taxes would be 2.9% lower than the mill rate was in 2025. The total number of taxed properties in 2025 was 2,005, while in 2026, the taxable properties have seen an increase to 2,027.
The preliminary budget is posted on the town website at www.ameniany.gov. Printed copies are available in the Town Clerk’s office.
Firefighters and other uniformed first responders stand alongside flag bearers during Stanford’s ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Nearly 3,000 American flags covered the hillside at Stanford Recreation Park.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Bean Bank Coffee is now open at Freshtown Plaza, offering drive-through service with a selection of pastries, coffee and tea.Photo by Leila Hawken
Emergency responders gather near St. Johns Ledges in Kent on Thursday, Sept. 10, after a 30-year-old rock climber fell to his death.Photo by Graham Corrigan
