Let's hear it — November 12, 2026

This Week

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has proposed a $722 million budget for 2027, a 10.5% increase in spending. The proposal would raise the county sales tax from 3.75% to 4% and draw $28.5 million from reserves to help cover rising costs and a nearly $90 million gap between projected expenses and revenues.

How should the county balance rising costs with the financial burden on residents, and what priorities should guide its budget decisions?

Send your responses to social@lakevillejournal.com by Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. or comment on Facebook or Instagram. We’ll publish a selection in next week’s paper.

Last Week’s Question

How do you think the proposed Cascade Creek development could affect the Amenia community?

“It will drain the water and resources from the soil and town until another water source has been used up and disappears.”

—David Brown

“More traffic on Old North Road.”

—Anne Shisler-Hughes

“Maybe we could get some sidewalks? Why are there orange cones and unfinished walks STILL two years later? Why are there no sidewalks to the Ames plaza? Get it together Amenia!”

—Eleanor Hartwell

“Since it’s in a flood plain, don’t believe people who say that it’s not! Or that’s pretty much what they told us when we owned the property whenever we wanted to do anything with it! Too many homes without sufficient water and sewer! The focus should be to get water and sewer for the entire hamlet which greatly opens up opportunity for the community. I also think that the people involved haven’t been forthcoming with the people in the town. Meaning too many backroom discussions. This whole proposal sounds fishy to me and the fact that it’s even being considered tells me that it’s about who you are and who you know!”

—Stephen Perotti

“I want one?”

—Douglas Sands