The November 2 Marbletown Town Board meeting began with three public hearings covering the town budget, the High Falls Water District budget, and proposed overlay zoning districts. No members of the public offered comments during any of the hearings.

2027 Budget

Supervisor Rich Parete indicated that the preliminary budget presented to the board had not changed since its previous review.

“This budget has not moved. I’m not going to recommend any changes,” Parete said.

Budget details were summarized at the October 6 meeting. Among the factors contributing to increased costs are gasoline and electricity prices, retirement system expenses, rising material costs such as blacktop, and insurance premiums.

The proposed General Fund tax levy is approximately $874,839, representing a 6.5% increase. The Highway Fund tax levy is $1,724,500, a 5% increase.

Total 2027 Highway Department expenditures are projected at $2,097,500, with anticipated highway revenues of approximately $373,000.

For the High Falls Water District, Parete said the proposed tax levy would remain unchanged and that the installation of water meters had been completed.

On June 3, base water rates increased from $75 to $85 per 5,000 gallons. The town obtained $300,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to replace water boxes and meters, with remaining funds designated for other eligible projects.

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which supplies water to the district, has continued to raise its prices. Parete said quarterly bills will be monitored to ensure that revenue projections remain accurate.

The preliminary 2027 Water District budget includes the following figures:

• Total Source of Supply: $90,000

• Total Purification: $20,000

• Total Transmission and Distribution: $20,000

• Total Water Fund Revenue: $332,388

“The projections are realistic for revenue,” Parete said of the proposed budgets. Ambulance district revenue projections remain unchanged.

Tax Cap and Proposed Overlay Zoning

The town may not need to override the state tax cap for 2027, which is around 3%. However, the board approved Resolution 122, preserving the option to override the limit if necessary.

“It just makes sense,” Town Board member Lisa Giannico said. “Nobody knows what kind of year it’s going to be.”

The public hearing on the proposed affordable housing, or “missing middle,” overlay zoning districts will remain open for additional public comment.

“That is going to continue to be open,” Parete said.

Board of Ethics Provides Annual Update

The Marbletown Board of Ethics presented its annual update, outlining its responsibilities and recent efforts to clarify its documentation.

“We want to listen to people’s ethics issues if they have them,” said Chairperson Jen Doll.

Some of the board's documents have been updated, primarily to provide clearer legal information. According to the town's website, the Board of Ethics oversees the annual conflict-of-interest disclosure process and reports its findings to the Town Board. It also provides a process for concerned residents to file complaints under the town's Code of Ethics.

The board also investigates reported concerns involving favoritism, nepotism, and ethical questions surrounding gifts.

“The code is a law,” member Janet Vincent said. “Lack of clarity often leads to conflict.”

The Board of Ethics thanked Town Board member Lisa Giannico, who serves as its liaison.

Appointments and Other Business

The board approved two appointments. Rondout Valley High School student Shawn Dolan was hired as an automotive mechanical helper for the Marbletown Highway Department.

Jeremy Robinson-Leon, a local restaurateur who previously served as an alternate on the Planning Board, was appointed as a full member. His term expires in December 2029.

The board also approved Resolution 124, authorizing a maintenance agreement with Stark Tech Industries of Ballston Spa for the heating, air conditioning, and circulator pump systems at the Rondout Municipal Center (RMC).

The agreement, which runs through December 31, 2027, will not exceed $5,840.

Legion Fireworks received approval for its application to provide the New Year's Eve fireworks display at Mohonk Mountain House. The company has provided the pyrotechnics for the event for the past six years.

The Stone Ridge Fire District also submitted a letter requesting an opportunity to present its plans for a new firehouse at the board's next meeting.