BETHEL — The 2026 tentative budget for the Town of Bethel was presented at the Town Board meeting October 8. Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm prefaced his explanation of the fiscal plan with, “The Town of Bethel is in great financial condition. Once again our overall budget is under the 2% tax cap.”

He explained, “Tax rates will go from $10.35 per thousand of assessed value to about $10.47 per thousand for town taxes, which is only a 1.1% increase.” This increase covers all insurance and retirement costs, ample funds for youth programs, employee contracts, payment of the bond on the new highway garage, funds for public safety, building inspectors and code enforcement, as well as planning and zoning board costs.

He asserted, “We are taking care of our buildings and assets. This is a conservative fiscal plan and document. We are looking out for our taxpayers in Bethel.”

Sturm said the Highway Department budget for 2026 is “looking great,” and that foreseen expenses include road repairs and maintenance, snow removal, and contract salary increases. 

“We are budgeting for all our winter needs,” Sturm said, noting that there is a stockpile of salt and sand ready for the upcoming winter. 

New equipment and trucks have been purchased during recent years and although in 2008 there was debt of $500,000, this expense has been paid off. Currently, all outstanding bonds in the highway fund have been paid as well.

According to Sturm the installation of LED streetlights has saved 75% in electric costs, causing a surplus that is being used to pay off bond indebtedness to fund the installation of the lights. Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced 82%; electric was reduced by 65%; and usage reduced 77.1%.

“[Going] green for town streetlights has set an example for our residents and other municipalities,” Sturm said. “It’s better for our environment and our taxpayers.”

The sewer district had a 3% increase in costs due to emergency repairs and ongoing maintenance, but there have been no other material increases in the last five years. The $9M rehab project was finished ahead of schedule, staying under budget. All bonds for that are now at 0% interest for their 30-year remaining term. A New York State grant of $930,000 offset costs as well. Emergency repairs and filters totaled approximately $50,000 but were within budgeted expenses. “It’s all ongoing and that’s why we will have a slight increase [to our operating expenses this year],” Sturm said.

There will be a public hearing on the proposed budget on October 22 at the Duggan School meeting room in White Lake at 7:45 p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend for comment.