HIGHLAND  — The Town of Highland unanimously voted to pass their 2025 budget on November 12 following a recessed public hearing earlier this month. Staying under the two percent tax increase cap, residents can expect to see a 1.47 percent increase as the budget’s total was set at $2,300,956.13.

“We are proud to not only have come in significantly under the tax cap...but to have also completed necessary raises and a renegotiated five-year contract for the Highway Department earlier this year, reflected in the 2025 budget,” Town Supervisor John Pizzolato told the Democrat. “We were also able to increase the wage for our veteran court clerk after 19 years with the town, and provide all other employees with a three percent increase.”

Bond payment

With the passing of the budget, the town is looking at reconciling a $85,832 bond payment to Greene Bank by July of next year. According to Pizzolato,  it sits at a 4.5 percent interest.

Pizzolato noted that the payment will come from interest earned on an equipment fund established by the previous board and an investment from the new board to said fund for $40,000.  

“We established the new  bond program this summer for two trucks ordered from the previous board.  When they were ready for delivery, we noticed the equipment fund was over $80,000 short. We will pay said bond payment with the interest from our NY Class high yield saving account as well as $40,000 set aside in the 2025 budget.” 

Pizzolato said that he feels that this plan leaves the town in a “much better position to keep the safest vehicles on the road and to move used vehicles along before they become a money pit and a burden to taxpayers, while still retaining their value to sell and make a plan for new vehicles.”

He noted that back in January, one vehicle, around 10 years old, cost the town upwards of $17,000 in repairs.  

Board updates incoming

Following the finalization of the recent General Election results, the face of the board is set to see changes.

“2025 will be a busy year for the new board with the addition of Sonia Kidney who will join us in January, replacing Jim Akt who was appointed at the end of 2023 after Chris Tambini resigned in December of 2023,” Supervisor Pizzolato said.

Pizzolato also noted his excitement for other upcoming developments.

“We have over $310,000 in grants, the majority from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther to repair our historic courthouse and community center kitchen, and green upgrades to our heating and cooling system in Town Hall.”