MAHOPAC, N.Y. — Supervisor Mike Cazzari released his proposed 2025 town budget last week, and it calls for no increase in the tax rate from last year. The rate will remain at $4.13 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
However, town officials warn that doesn’t necessarily mean a tax bill won’t show an increase when it arrives next September. If the assessed value of a property increases, so will the bill.
In the proposed $34.5 spending package, a property homeowner assessed at approximately $491,620 would pay around $2,030 per year—a $5 decrease from the prior year if the assessed value remains the same.
The proposed budget also remains under the state-mandated 2 percent tax levy cap (the amount of money to be collected by taxes) and maintains Carmel's Moody’s Aa1 bond rating, which enables the town to borrow money at the lowest interest rate.
Cazzari said the proposed budget “reflects our commitment to responsible fiscal management and support for our community.”
The supervisor highlighted some of the projects the budget proposes.
“We are excited to introduce our new multifaceted notification platform, “OnSolve’s CodeRed,” which will improve communication and keep our community informed,” he wrote in a letter to the taxpayers. “This upgraded mass notification system will enable residents to receive alerts and messages through multiple channels, ensuring our community stays informed, engaged, and safe.”
Cazzari noted that the town is in the process of acquiring the school district property on East Lake Boulevard along with the adjacent lakefront parcel.
“My vision for this site includes the construction of a new police and court facility, as well as a dedicated community room specifically for our senior residents,” he wrote. “This space will not only serve as a gathering place for seniors but will also be available for a variety of programs and events hosted by the police department, recreation programs, and local civic organizations. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and provide valuable resources for all residents.”
Cazzari said the town is making “significant progress” on the design of Swan Cove and enhancements to the downtown business district.
“I’m excited to share that we will be utilizing the $2 million in congressional funding, along with an additional $1.5 million in ARPA funds, to commence construction on Swan Cove in 2025,” he wrote. “This substantial financial support will enable us to bring this important project to life.”
Finally, in 2025, the town's Recreation Advisory Committee will be updating the Recreation Master Plan, which Cazzari called “an essential component of any grant funding requests aimed at enhancing our parks and facilities.
“The plans for the proposed town recreation center at Sycamore Park are over 15 years old and require revamping to strengthen our chances of receiving outside funding,” he concluded.
Other budget drivers and highlights for the proposed budget include:
▪ Employee benefit lines increased (retirement/health insurance costs)
▪ Information technology increased by approximately $70,000 (equipment, software, consulting costs, website, Onsolve, etc.)
▪ Insurance liability estimated increase of 8-10 percent
▪ Total police budget - $11.7million - includes police, lake patrol, community police, K-9, an increase of approximately $700,000 mostly due to retirement and health insurance
▪ Three police vehicles and two upfits included for $200,000
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here