MARGARETVILLE - The Margaretville Village Board presented the 2026 tentative budget of $665,326. The budget is a $16,221 increase over 2025 and exceeds the allowable 2.28% tax cap. The proposed increase accounts for $450,921 to be raised by taxes.
Treasurer Beth Bush said a significant number of items were cut from the budget to reduce the cap.
Trustee David Budin suggested raising the proposed tax cap increase from 3.73% to 4%. The additional funds, amounting to a few hundred dollars, could pad the budget, he explained.
Bush suggested increasing the electricity line item, which typically runs over budget.
A public hearing on the tax cap override and the tentative budget is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at 5 p.m., with the organizational meeting directly following. Budget adjustments are expected before the public hearing.
Food Truck
Trustees have been reviewing a local law to regulate and issue permits for food trucks. After scrutiny heard during a public hearing in September, the law was tabled.
Mayor John Hubbell suggested organizing regulations similar to Middletown's. The town issues a seasonal restaurant permit, which is obtained by the property owner on whose property a food truck will operate.
Trustee Iris Mead asked whether such regulations were too restrictive for food truck owners, as they require them to obtain a permit for each property where they intend to park.
Budin said that was the point.
Trustee Sarah Hubbell echoed Budin's statements, arguing that the regulations help create equal opportunities for brick-and-mortar restaurants and food trucks, ensuring no one has an unfair advantage.
The regulations are expected to be enacted as zoning rather than as a local law.
Other Business
Westchester Medical representatives presented a new program opening up at Margaretville Hospital aimed at supporting substance abuse recovery. The program will provide outpatient services, including medicated recovery, management, individual and group counseling, telehealth services, referrals, and peer support. For more information, visit margaretvillehospital.org/bethere.
Trustee Jeffrey Warren suggested purchasing a zero-turn lawn mower for the highway department at roughly $4,000. The mower could reduce mowing time and eliminate the need for a summer employee, he explained. No decisions were made.
Hubble is working with Southern Tier 8 to apply for a $50,000 grant that requires a 10% match. The grant opportunity could fund an engineering study to identify flood mitigation projects for the area between Orchard and Swart streets.
NYSEG representatives are hosting a public informational session for users at Middletown Town Hall on Thursday, April 2, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Trustees are reviewing water fee adjustments, including raising the frozen-meter repair charge from $100 to around $350. The new fee schedule is expected to be discussed at the organizational meeting.
Tax collector duties were transferred from Clerk Noreen LaBonte to Treasurer Bush.
