North East to hold Nov. 13 hearing on 2026 budget; EMS costs to jump 36%

MILLERTON — The Town of North East will present its 2026 Preliminary Town Budget at a public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

At a recent board meeting, Supervisor Chris Kennan said the board worked to keep overall spending increases minimal while maintaining essential services — particularly emergency medical services that come at a significant cost.

The proposed budget shows total appropriations of $5,043,192, an increase of about 2.7% over last year’s spending plan. That figure includes all town funds — general, highway, fire and water — though fire protection and water district costs are raised through separate special-district tax lines.

The total tax levy rises from $3,606,045 in 2025 to $3,932,130 in 2026, an increase of roughly 9%.

As a precautionary measure, the Town Board voted in September to authorize an override of the state’s 2% property tax cap. The preliminary budget exceeds that threshold, an outcome Kennan said was expected given the significant spike in emergency medical service costs.

EMS spending marks the largest year-over-year increase in the proposed budget, with the town’s ambulance line rising from $511,558 to $696,345 — a 36% jump. The increase was anticipated under a multi-year contract with Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP). When that agreement was signed, town officials acknowledged the cost was steep but expressed hope that a regional or shared-service model could eventually reduce expenses.

In late August, The News reported that NDP would be acquired by Empress EMS, a privately held company expanding its footprint throughout the state and into the Hudson Valley. Kennan said he has remained in contact with Empress representatives, who confirmed they will honor the existing contract, ensuring local ambulance coverage through 2026 while the town continues to explore ways to reduce costs.

Kennan, along with two dozen other villages and towns in Dutchess County, has vigorously called for support from the County to address the EMS crisis. In an October letter obtained by The News, Kennan and the Dutchess County Supervisors and Mayors Association urged County Executive Sue Serino and the Legislature to intervene.

“It has become increasingly apparent that the fragmented nature of the current system results in disparities in service levels, response times, and financial burdens,” the letter said. “A county-coordinated approach would allow for the strategic allocation of resources, improved staffing and training, and equitable funding mechanisms that benefit every community.”

Proposed salaries for elected officials were also posted: Supervisor, $27,675; Councilmen (4), $6,200 each; Justices (2), $19,125 each; Town Clerk, $37,785; and Assessor, $38,500.

The town also proposes to continue its annual support of the North East Community Center with a $5,000 contract and an additional $500 toward the center’s transportation project. Following the recent funding referendum, the NorthEast-Millerton Library allocation increased to $225,000, up $50,000 from last year’s $175,000.

The preliminary budget is available for public inspection at Town Hall, 19 North Maple Ave., Millerton, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.