By Holly Crocco
Carmel Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari is proposing a 2025 budget that keeps the tax rate at $4.13 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is unchanged from the current year, “reflecting our commitment to responsible fiscal management and support of our community,” he said at the Oct. 2 Carmel Town Board meeting.
However, due to an increase in the total townwide assessed value, homeowners may still see their property tax bills increase.
According to Town Comptroller Mary Ann Maxwell, the proposed $34.5 million budget is offset by $8 million in townwide revenue and the use of $610,000 from reserves, which is $50,000 more than was used this year. This leaves $26.4 million to be raised via the tax levy – an increase of $1.1 million from this year.
The levy, divided by the total townwide taxable assessed value of $6.4 million in 2025, is what determines the tax rate.
“Even though you’re seeing the tax rate remain the same, because the assessed value is going up, you will see an increase in your taxes,” said Maxwell.
About $26.2 million or 76 percent of the total budget is employee compensation and benefits, with one of the biggest drivers of the budget increase being health benefits.
“We don’t have those exact numbers yet, but I did budget a 9 to 10 percent increase,” said Maxwell. “It has been substantially high over the past years, at 12 to 14 percent, so I’m hoping that 9 to 10 percent is enough.”
In addition, hikes to retirement benefits and pension costs are expected.
Under the police department budget, retirement and health insurance costs lead to a $700,000 increase, totaling $11.7 million. Police overtime increased to $730,000, and funding for three police vehicle and two upfits total $200,000.
The department obtained $3 million in multiple grants awards in 2024, to go toward technology, vehicle purchases, and accreditation.
The town’s highway and transportation budget reflects a 1.4 percent – or $1.1 million – hike, due, in part, to those increased employee benefit costs. The “snow budget” is set at $1.6 million, between materials and overtime, with a “snow reserve fund” balance available.
“If, for some reason, $1.6 million is not enough and we have a substantial winter, we do have $750,000 in a reserve that we can tap into,” explained Maxwell.
A total of $150,000 is budgeted for machinery, plus what is left in the highway capital reserve. In 2023, that number was $1.5 million, but some was used for drainage and machinery this year. “So, we’ll see where we end up at the end of 2024, but we will be able to use some of that money, as well, for machinery,” said Maxwell.
The library budgets remain the same, at $30,000 for Mahopac Public Library and $20,000 for Reed Memorial Library.
When it comes to special districts, ambulance and fire contracts increased between 3 and 5 percent. The town is also transferring debt from its operating funds to cover debt related to the ongoing dam capital projects at Lake Casse, Lake Mahopac, and Teakettle Spout Lake.
Water district capital projects are also ongoing, with related costs, and the sewer district expenses will increase due to sludge, chemicals, and other operational and maintenance expenses, according to Maxwell.
Grants have been received from the Office of Homeland Security to fund generators to keep the five water and sewer districts flowing when there’s a power outage.
When it comes to revenue, $850,000 in mortgage tax has been budgeted, as well as $690,000 in building permit fees, and $250,000 in interest earnings. Recreations revenue is expected to come in at about 22 percent more than this year, due to increased recreation fees.
According to Cazzari, the budget includes investments made to improve the quality of life for residents. For example, enhancing the town’s website allows for better access to programs and services, “making sure vital information reaches the people who need it most – enhancing our overall communication efforts,” he said.
The supervisor pointed out some projects that are supported by the proposed budget.
“We are making significant advancements on Swan Cove and enhancements to the downtown business district,” he said. “We will be using the $2 million received in congressional funding, along with $1.5 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to commence construction at Swan Cove in 2025.”
In addition, the town is in the process of acquiring the school district property on East Lake Boulevard, as well as the adjacent lakefront parcel.
“My vision for this site includes construction of a new police station and court facility, as well as a new community room specifically for our senior residents,” said Cazzari. “This space will not only serve as a gathering place for seniors, but also be available to a variety of programs and events hosted by the police department, recreation programs, and local civic organizations.”
The town has engaged a new grant writer service to help it navigate the application process.
“Despite our previous success in securing funding, I am committed to pursuing additional resources for the revitalization of the hamlets of Carmel and Mahopac, particularly critical infrastructure projects like water and sewer systems,” said Cazzari. “Our focus also remains on enhancing sidewalks, connecting neighborhoods to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. With this new partnership, we hope to secure even more funding to support these vital projects.”
In addition, the Recreation Advisory Committee is expected to update the recreation master plan in 2025.
“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,” said the supervisor.
Residents are invited to speak on the budget at a Nov. 6 public hearing, at 7 p.m., at Town Hall. To view the budget, visit www.ci.carmel.ny.us.
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