Amenia workshop hears public comment on proposed 2024 budget

AMENIA — Attendance was sparse at the workshop meeting of the Amenia Town Board on Thursday, Nov. 2, to consider the preliminary 2024 town budget, which included a public hearing on adopting a local law to override the current tax cap regulation and to hear residents’ comments on the proposed budget. 

Fewer than ten residents attended the meeting in person. One resident clarified that to adhere to the tax cap could result in taxpayers receiving a tax rebate, a benefit seen in previous years.

Later in the meeting, the Town Board voted unanimously to adopt a local law to allow for the tax cap to be set aside for the coming year’s budget.

The preliminary 2024 budget totals $5,993,414 in expenditures. Reduced by expected revenues estimated at $1,231,044 and presuming use of $450,000 from the General Fund, that leaves a balance of $4,312,371 to be raised by taxes.

Comments at the brief public hearing came from town employees requesting compensation increases to align with similar positions in area towns, reasoning that increases are warranted due to increased workloads.

Resident Munawar Ahmed spoke in support of highway department personnel, asking that the Town Board examine their compensation and the current policy on health insurance.

Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti announced that the final budget will be considered by the Town Board at its next meeting on Thursday, Nov. 16.

In other action, bids for snow removal were opened and contracts approved. Snow removal on the Wassaic Trail to Train was awarded to Northwest Lawn and Landscaping for its bid of $13,312. Town sidewalk snow removal was awarded to Kindred Property Care for its bid of $39,000.

Councilmember Vicki Doyle announced that the Climate Smart Task Force is completing an application for grant funding in support of installation of energy-efficient heat pumps to heat and cool the Town Hall gymnasium.

Code Enforcement Officer Mike Segelken, noting the age of the building and lack of wiring, asked if there would be sufficient electrical power and distribution to serve the proposed eight split heat pumps. At present, he noted, the gym’s heat comes from hot water radiators.