FISHKILL – The 2023 Fishkill town budget, $341,5309 below the allowable tax levy limit, has been adopted by the town board with Supervisor Ozzy Albra the sole negative vote.
Based on the tax rates for the new year, a $300,000 taxable property would see a $4.50 increase for town homestead, a $23.50 increase for village homestead, $39.50 decrease for town non-homestead, and $6.60 increase for village non-homestead.
Albra said he voted against the budget because there was a cut made to the police department. “As everyone knows, I’m a strong supporter of the police and I made a promise years ago that I would never cut any police budgets,” he said.
Councilwoman Louis Danielle acknowledged there were cuts in many departments. “That doesn’t mean we defunded those departments. That means we prioritized the needs of those departments to create savings for the taxpayers,” she said.
“Our process was asking each department where they could help save taxpayers money, without in any way affecting the quality of the services they provide to the residents,” said Councilman Brian Wrye. “I think all town council members worked as a team to ensure we are responsible with taxpayer dollars and ensure the effectiveness of our departments, especially our police.”
