Town of Plattsburgh 2026 tentative budget is below tax cap

PLATTSBURGH | The 2026 Town of Plattsburgh Tentative Budget remains under the New York state tax cap. In a budget announcement, Supervisor Michael Cashman said the town took a conservative spending approach. "The 2026 Town of Plattsburgh Tentative Budget will once again remain under the New York State tax cap, continuing our strong tradition of fiscal responsibility," he said in a news release. "We have taken a very conservative spending approach to ensure the long-term financial health of our town, while still meeting the essential needs of our residents. "This is not accomplished in isolation. It is the result of close collaboration with our department heads, who work diligently each year through a modified zero-based budgeting methodology. Together, we carefully evaluate priorities, identify efficiencies, and make strategic investments that strengthen our community today and position us well for the future." The tentative plan shows a tax levy for next year of $3.4 million, up $131,771 from 2025, an increase of 4.03 percent. The town's tax cap was set at 4.2 percent, but the town kept the levy below that number. The levy includes the town's highway fund, Water and Sewer Department, the base stormwater district, and the town's consolidated districts: ambulance, lighting, sewer, and water. The total budget is $22.42 million, up $2.82 million from this year. "We utilize information from the Office of the Comptroller, the Association of Towns, Clinton County, and our own sales tax trends. The 2026 Tentative Budget keeps our municipality positioned for strong fiscal health," Cashman said. NO GENERAL FUND TAX LEVY The 2026 budget includes several key capital project investments: improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure on Rugar Street; a Cliff Haven infrastructure study; continued development of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway in partnership with the Clinton County American Legion; and accessibility upgrades to the Town Hall vestibule doors (ADA). "The Town of Plattsburgh continues to embrace a philosophy of 'plan the work, work the plan.' This approach ensures that every dollar is spent with purpose, strengthening the services, infrastructure, and opportunities that make our community thrive," Cashman said. Appropriations for the Town of Plattsburgh general fund will be $7.05 million, decreasing from $7.43 million last year. The town will once again use its projected $4.55 million share of Clinton County sales-tax revenue to reduce its general and highway funds. The general fund will receive $3.2 million, $113,799 more than last year. The town will once again have no general-fund tax levy. "The Town of Plattsburgh continues to see growth and development across all sectors from housing to manufacturing because of the town board's steadfast commitment to investing in infrastructure, supporting recreation from youth to seniors and fostering public/private partnerships that create opportunities aligned with our mission. By staying true to our long-term vision, we are ensuring that the Town of Plattsburgh remains a place where families, businesses, and future generations can thrive." HIGHWAY LEVY Appropriations for the highway fund will be $3.57 million, up from $3.42 million this year. The highway levy will be $1.11 million, an increase of $114,500 over current year spending. The highway tax rate is proposed at approximately $0.65 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $0.59 this year. LIGHTING DISTRICT LEVY DOWN Appropriations in the Consolidated Lighting District decreased to $255,240 from $268,720 this year. The street light levy will be $245,240, down from $261,645 this year. AMBULANCE DISTRICT Estimated appropriations for the Consolidated Ambulance District are $589,767, up from $561,684 this year due to increases in costs for medical supplies and labor. The ambulance levy will be $569,517, up from $542,263 last year. The town continues to have strong relationships with its ambulance service providers, CVPH and Morrisonville Schuyler Falls Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc., Cashman said. WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTS Appropriations for the Consolidated Water District are $3.54 million, an increase from $3.04 million this year to cover the costs of updating equipment for monitoring water quality. The tax rate would increase to $0.48 per $1,000 from $0.43 this year. The Consolidated Sewer District is budgeted at $4.94 million, up from $2.53 million this year to cover the costs of a capital improvement project. The averaged tax rate would increase to $0.59 per $1,000 from $0.47 this year. SALARIES The town supervisor's pay remains unchanged at $90,045. Salaries for town councilors also remain unchanged at $18,000. The highway superintendent's pay increases to $94,030, up from $90,414. The salary for each of the two town justices would increase to $47,088 (up from $45,277) and $45,966 (up from $44,198). The town clerk's pay would be $39,322, up from $37,810. The receiver of taxes and assessments pay would be $45,000, up from $39,508. ........................... BUDGET HEARING The Plattsburgh Town Council has scheduled a public hearing on the 2026 preliminary budget for 6:05 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, at the Town Hall, 151 Banker Road. Copies of the budget will be available in the Plattsburgh Town Clerk's Office or online at townofplattsburghny.gov

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Town of Plattsburgh 2026 tentative budget is below tax cap

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