New Castle 2015 Budget Hearing Will be Nov. 25

The New Castle Town Board will hold a public hearing Nov. 25 on its $36.9 million spending plan for 2015.

Information on the proposed budget is on the New Castle website here.

In his newsletter, town Supervisor Rob Greenstein said, “The Town could raise the total tax levy by $390,043 and remain under the cap. The Preliminary Budget raises the total levy by $34,771.00 (.17%). The combined town/special district tax increase is $9 per household! This is the lowest tax increase - by far - in 6 years!”

The town’s general fund and highway fund total two-thirds of the entire budget. The rest goes to special districts for such things as sewer, water, fire and ambulance service.

In terms of people, the budget proposal would increase the town Highway Department staff to 15 from 12 to reach “appropriate support levels” for snow removal, highway maintenance, etc. It includes money for an assistant town planner—$50,987—a part time public relations officer at $18,000, and an intern for the recreation and parks department at $10,000.

Progress on a new Master Plan continues, and the town is seeking a consultant to assist. The budget would add $50,000 for that initiative.

There’s a new budget line for events, and the town supervisor proposes allotting $10,000.

The hearing will start at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 25 at New Castle Town Hall.

SCREENSHOT: from 2015 Preliminary Budget