by Vincent Kurzrock

MAMAKATING — The Town of Mamakating board held a public hearing for input on its 2026 budget. The first to speak was resident Chris Leser, who inquired about the budget for the Ambulance Corps and asked if the town could increase its funding. Leser proposed raising the funding from $198,000 to $200,000. 

He commended the work done by the Ambulance Corps, while pointing out that other towns in the state aren’t as restricted by the tax cap. Councilman Tyler Wood responded that the town doesn’t control their budget.

Supervisor Michael Robbins highlighted that increasing the budget by $2,000 would push the town over the state-imposed tax cap—a cap they’re trying to remain under. Councilman and Mamakating First Aid Squad Captain Peter Goodman noted that the Corps is currently in stable financial shape.

“The money that we’re getting from the town does cover expenses,” stated Goodman, adding that their new district budget has helped offset previous insurance-related losses. 

Through Zoom, resident Janet Lybolt inquired about the town’s decision to remove funding for the Mamakating Local Development Corporation (MLDC), an organization that had supported local business efforts and recently organized the town’s bicentennial celebration. Lybolt voiced concern that the MLDC’s disbanding was a premature decision, saying that the MLDC was necessary for community projects and economic protection.

Robbins responded that the organization “hasn’t brought in one business that brings in revenue to the taxpayers” throughout its eight years in existence, noting that the board voted unanimously to cease funding. He stated that the remaining funds would go toward veterans and seniors.