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Millerton approves budget with mill rate rise to 4.28

Millerton approves budget with mill rate rise to 4.28

The Millerton Village offices on Route 22.

Archive photo

MILLERTON — Village Trustees approved an $838,820 general budget for the coming fiscal year, reflecting higher expenses, an increase in assessment property values and higher tax receipts.

Following a public hearing held on Monday, April 14, the Board approved the 2025-26 budget that calls for an increase in the mill rate to 4.27936, up from the current rate of 4.22.

The assessed value of all property in the Village rose to $122,207,680, compared to $116,592,038 in the previous year. Tax-receipt revenues will increase in the new budget to $522,971 from $492,308 in the 2024-25 year.

Trustees also approved a 2025-26 water budget in the amount of $386,529.

Only one resident appeared during the budget public hearing as trustees discussed a few line items, which they had been poring over in previous budget workshops.

Trustee Dave Sherman inquired about the 9% overall increase in the Police Department budget, which includes $55,000 in salaries in the department’s $106,000 budget.

In fiscal year 2022-23, the Village stopped receiving payments from the Town of North East of approximately $36,000. Village Police no longer are relied upon to respond to calls in the Town. Those calls are instead referred to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office.

Trustee Matt Soleau noted that the Village is still making adjustments given the withdrawal of Town support on this front, and the Board expressed consensus that the department “was working better.”

Besides granting all employees small pay increases, the Trustees also increased their own salaries. Mayor Jenn Najdek’s salary rose to $10,000, up from $9,000. Deputy Mayor Matt Hartzog’s salary rose to $5,500 from $4,000, and other Trustees were raised to $4,000 from $3,500.

Village Trustees did not receive an increase in last year’s budget.

Easter egg hunt

Mayor Najdek reminded everyone that the Fire Department will be hosting an Easter egg hunt on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Eddie Collins Park.

Hay rides are offered, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Fire Department on Century Boulevard.

The egg hunt starts at 11 a.m. at the park.

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