Homeowners could see 4.9% town tax hike, plus other increases, under tentative budget

Yorktown residents could see a 4.9 percent increase in their town property tax rate under the 2027 tentative budget, which calls for using $1.375 million in reserve funds to help offset rising operating costs.

Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman released his tentative budget on Friday, which would increase the town tax rate from $178.14 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026 to $187.01 in 2027.

For a property assessed at $10,000, the annual town tax bill would increase from $1,781.42 to $1,870.08, an increase of $88.66 per year, or approximately $7.39 per month.

The proposed 4.9 percent increase applies only to the town’s general, library and highway funds. It does not include separate taxes or charges for emergency medical services, garbage collection, water or other special districts. Homeowners would also see increases of more than 1 percent in charges for emergency medical services, refuse collection and water under the tentative budget.

Residents also pay separate charges for services such as sewer, parks and fire protection, where applicable. Those costs are not reflected in the proposed town tax rate or the estimated $88.66 annual increase.

Nearly 4,000 residents and businesses in the Hallocks Mill Sewer District would see an increase of approximately $315 under the proposed budget.

According to the budget proposal, the general, library and highway portion accounts for approximately 10 percent of a resident's total annual property tax bill. School district taxes account for approximately 70 percent, while Westchester County taxes represent another 10 percent.

The town collects school district and county property taxes but does not control the tax levies set by those entities.

In a letter accompanying the tentative budget, Lachterman said the proposal aims to maintain municipal services while meeting contractual obligations and addressing higher operating expenses.

“Any tax increase deserves careful scrutiny, and the Town Board and I will continue reviewing this proposal for additional savings before adopting the final budget,” Lachterman wrote.

The town cited several factors contributing to increased costs, including tariffs on essential materials, higher supply prices, rising health insurance premiums and personnel expenses. Lachterman also pointed to a 4.2 percent increase in the Mid Atlantic Consumer Price Index.

The proposed budget is intended to meet contractual obligations, comply with unfunded state mandates and maintain staffing and municipal services.

To limit the tax increase, the town plans to use $1.375 million from its fund balance. Lachterman said the withdrawal would not adversely affect the town's reserve policy.

Budget hearing and adoption timeline

The Town Board is scheduled to meet with department heads Nov. 5 and 9 to review the supervisor’s tentative budget and consider potential revisions. The board is expected to adopt a preliminary budget as early as Nov. 9, but no later than Nov. 17, followed by a public hearing Dec. 1.

The Town Board had previously scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 17 on a proposed local law that would allow the town to override the state property tax levy limit for the 2027 budget. Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito voted against scheduling the hearing.

Following public comment, the board may revise the spending plan before voting on a final budget, which must be adopted by Dec. 15.

If the board does not adopt a final budget by that deadline, the preliminary budget will automatically take effect as the town's 2027 budget.

The budget takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Yorktown residents can review the tentative budget in full on the town’s website by clicking here.