MAMAKATING — The 2027 preliminary budget for the Town of Mamakating totals $5.23 million, representing a 2% increase from the previous year. During a public hearing before the town board Tuesday night, questions were raised about communication and department funding.

The proposed budget totals $5,230,939, an increase of $102,342 from last year. According to Town Supervisor Peter Goodman, the town board has worked to keep the budget’s tax increase at or below 2% for many years, despite rising operating costs and limited revenue sources.

Speaking before the board, Town Assessor Michele Lagomarsino voiced concerns over the removal of a data collector position from the preliminary budget, questioning why department heads had not received an explanation for changes to their budget requests.

“We all have a responsibility to the residents of this town and the responsibility is to be best served when there is an open communication, mutual respect and a collaborative approach to decision-making,” Lagomarsino said.

She explained that communication between the town board and department heads could be improved, recommending that board liaisons meet with their assigned departments to discuss operational needs before budget decisions are finalized.

Goodman responded that he would need to check whether the position had been included in the tentative budget, while confirming that the board was considering ways to provide data collection services, including a possible cooperative agreement with neighboring municipalities.

“The board discussed having a part-time data collector … if we’re going to have a position adding another $27,000 to the budget … is it going to be something we’re able to maintain?” Goodman said, questioning whether there would be enough work to justify the expense.

Also discussed were the challenges of balancing rising expenses with the town’s limited ability to generate additional revenue. According to Goodman, employee salaries increase annually, while health benefits rose by 12% over the past year. The town also does not receive a share of county sales tax revenue.

He said the town has few options for increasing income beyond property taxes and existing agreements, making it difficult to keep pace with expenses without placing a greater burden on taxpayers.

Resident Chris Leser also spoke before the board, raising concerns about unpaid property taxes and advocating for greater accountability in the tax collection process.

According to a public notice issued by the town, proposed salaries in the preliminary budget include $59,113 for the Town Supervisor, $14,645.67 for each of the six town board members, $61,891 for the Town Clerk, $21,309 for the Tax Receiver, $37,605 for each of two Town Justices and $83,387 for the Highway Superintendent.

Copies of the 2027 preliminary budget are available for public inspection at the Town Clerk’s office and on the Town’s website at www.mamakating.gov. The town is expected to vote on the budget at its next scheduled meeting on Nov. 17.