Rising property taxes, the cost of a new ambulance district and proposed raises for elected officials drew pointed questions from residents during a public hearing on Plattekill’s 2027 budget.

Much of the discussion focused on a proposed increase of approximately 8% in Town Board salaries, considerably higher than the 2.75% raises reportedly proposed for other town employees. Residents questioned the timing and size of the increases, particularly as taxpayers face higher heating bills, inflation and the added cost of ambulance service.

Several speakers said elected officials should consider more modest increases spread over several years rather than a larger adjustment in a single budget cycle.

One resident described how her monthly heating oil bill had climbed from approximately $350 to $500, while her income had not kept pace. Others pointed to the financial pressures facing senior citizens and people living on fixed incomes.

Residents also invoked Plattekill’s tradition of volunteerism, noting that generations of community members have served on municipal boards, fire companies and other organizations for little or no compensation.

While acknowledging the responsibilities of elected officials, speakers questioned whether the proposed raises reflected the financial circumstances of the residents who ultimately pay the bills.

Board members defend proposed raises
Town Board members defended the proposed salary adjustments, saying they were based on comparisons with compensation in neighboring municipalities with similar populations and responsibilities.

Councilmen Fazio and O’Flaherty said they had reviewed salaries and municipal operations in surrounding communities before arriving at the proposed increases.

Board members also argued that much of their work occurs outside regularly scheduled public meetings and is not always apparent to residents.

O’Flaherty described October as essentially a full-time commitment to town business, involving daily meetings, departmental budget reviews, consultations with attorneys and engineers, and discussions with other elected officials.

Among the matters requiring their attention are highway contract negotiations, proposed battery energy storage regulations, littering legislation and improvements to municipal operations.

Board members said those responsibilities frequently extend into evenings and weekends and require time away from their regular employment.

Ambulance district accounts for major budget increase
The largest financial challenge facing the town is the new ambulance district, which officials said accounts for a substantial portion of the proposed budget increase.

Town Supervisor Mike Lembo said Ulster County required the town to establish an ambulance district. The Town Board acted in August to ensure the expense could be incorporated into the 2027 budget, which takes effect Jan. 1.

Officials estimated the total annual cost of ambulance service at approximately $1.15 million. After accounting for other funding, the town’s share in 2027 is expected to be about $650,000.

The ambulance district tax rate is estimated at 98 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home assessed at $300,000, that would amount to approximately $294 annually.

Lembo said the proposed budget would look considerably different without the ambulance district expense. Board members also emphasized that its financial impact far exceeds that of the proposed salary increases.

Residents generally acknowledged the importance of dependable emergency medical services but questioned whether the town could sustain the expense in future years.

A particular concern was the uncertainty surrounding county financial assistance after 2027. Residents asked whether the town’s share could increase substantially in 2028 if county contributions were reduced or eliminated.

Board members acknowledged that future costs and funding arrangements remain uncertain.

Lembo said the town could eventually seek competitive proposals from other ambulance providers to determine whether comparable service could be obtained at a lower cost. Any potential savings, however, would have to be weighed against the reliability and quality of emergency medical care, officials said.

Board strengthens illegal dumping penalties
In other business, the Town Board approved amendments to Chapter 63 of the Town Code establishing restrictions and penalties for illegal dumping, littering and improper waste disposal.

The legislation covers garbage, rubbish, abandoned vehicles, hazardous materials and other waste deposited on public or private property.

Penalties range from $100 to $1,000 for a first offense, $250 to $1,500 for a second offense, and $500 to $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense.
Officials said the amendments would provide the town with stronger enforcement authority to address illegal dumping and pursue violations.

The board also approved Resolution No. 47 of 2026, authorizing Public Sector Consultants to review and update the town’s employee handbook at a cost not to exceed $5,300. The revisions are intended to bring employment policies into line with current laws, regulations and municipal practices.

Resolution No. 45 of 2026, concerning the revised 2027 preliminary budget following departmental reviews and adjustments, was also presented.

Affordability remains central concern
Throughout the budget hearing, the discussion returned to the challenge of maintaining essential services and adequately compensating municipal employees without placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.

Town officials said they had devoted considerable time to reviewing departmental requests and making reductions where possible. They cautioned, however, that cutting too deeply could leave departments underfunded, require the use of reserves or create larger financial problems in future years.

Residents urged the board to consider that many households have little flexibility to absorb another round of tax increases on top of rising everyday expenses.

Several speakers praised the board’s budget review efforts even as they disagreed with particular decisions.

The hearing underscored the difficult choices facing the town as it prepares for 2027: providing essential services, meeting new emergency medical costs and compensating elected officials and employees while keeping the tax burden manageable for residents.