Tentative North East budget could bring 1.16% tax bump

MILLERTON — The Town of North East expects tax increases with the new draft of its preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

One of the most significant cost increases on the draft is for Emergency Medical Services with the provider Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP).

The town spent $376,858 on EMS during 2024 under its five-year contract with NDP, alongside the towns of Dover and Amenia. Now, NDP has pitched a new contract that could cost the Town of North East $646,300, a 71% increase.

“As currently budgeted, Town residents outside of the Village of Millerton would see an increase in their tax rate of 1.16%,” Chris Kennan said. “However, that does not take into account the amount by which all properties outside of the Village have had their underlying assessments increased, which in 2024 was by 3%.”

Other areas of increase include the Fire District’s means, which have risen from $756,222 in 2024 to a tentative budget of $771,366, a 2% increase. The Water District also has a 2.7% increase, which only adds $1,010 to its costs. On the other hand, the Highway Department budget was lowered by 15.2%, going from $1,775,706 in 2024 to $1,504,963 for the draft of 2025, saving the town about $270,000.

“These numbers are different for residents of the Village, who pay taxes on a combination of the Town Budget and the Village budget,” Kennan said.

The town is looking for ways to decrease these large price changes on its budget, especially with EMS provider NDP. Kennan has an upcoming meeting to discuss logistics, and the hope is to bring new information to a public hearing on Nov. 14.

“We will still see some further changes in the budget,” Kennan said. “After negotiations with NDP are complete, hopefully by the time of our next Town Board meeting on Nov. 14.”