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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 25, 2026 - Public Hearing Special Town Board Meeting1 Town of Enfield Public Hearing & Special Town Board Meeting Wednesday, February 25, 2026 6:30 PM In-Person & Via the Zoom Meeting Platform Present: Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons Cassandra Hinkle, Melissa Millspaugh, and Robert Lynch; and Town Clerk Mary Cornell Excused: Councilperson Jude Lemke Public Hearing for Senior Supervisor Redmond opened the public hearing at 6:30 PM Councilperson Lynch, This amendment extends the opportunity to allow lower income resident to receive a higher reduction. This would only add a few dollars at most to other residents. Councilperson Lynch. The greatest exemption a senior could get up until now was 50% if you earned $35,000 or less. New state legislation allows for an added exemption for people in the lower interest bracket to receive up to ~65% exemption. This means a 65% exemption for seniors on their Enfield Town Property tax who make equal or less than $32,000. The County will be offering different figures. Rosie Carpenter mentioned that senior exemptions need to be applied for by March 1, 2026 with the applications returned to Tompkins County Assessment. Rosie Carpenter mentioned that her only concern is that she does not know how much this will affect others in the Town, especially the younger population having to pay more. Councilperson Lynch – Jay Franklin from Assessment commented that County wide the impact on the median house is between $1-$2. Since Enfield is a sales tax offset community, the impact would be $4-$5 as a tax increase to the median home, but is very significant to those that qualify for the exemption. It may be less as the overall assessment may be less and is conjuncture on his part. Councilperson Lynch moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded to close the public hearing at 6:43 PM VOTE: Aye; Hinkle, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond Nay, 0; Carried. Special Meeting Call to order: Supervisor Redmond called the meeting to order at 6:43 pm Privilege of the Floor: Rosie Carpenter led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance Additions & Changes to the Agenda: Tire collection update and Supervisor Redmond would like to give a recap on her attendance at the AOT conference in NYC Correspondence: N/A 2 Business: Supervisor Redmond. Tire Collection. Currently proposed to collect tires from 8-12 on Saturday, May 16th and the Highway department is willing to transport the tires. The board will need to decide if we would like to limit agricultural tires. She would like to recuse herself from this decision as she has a tire she would like to dispose of. She reminded the Board that we do have $6,000 in funding available from the State. The collection fees will be modeled after what they charge at Tompkins County Solid Waste. She will compile a breakdown of the fees and circulate it to the Town Board. Councilperson Lynch, this is not a free drop off, you will need t o pay a fee to drop of the tires, however, we will not have a limit. Councilperson Lynch if the County accepts Ag tires, then we should as well. Councilperson Millspaugh, will we be limiting to Enfield Residents. Supervisor Redmond replied that only Enfield Residents can participate. AOT Conference Recap: Supervisor Redmond gave an overview of the sessions that she attended at the AOT conference. She mentioned that she thinks this will be the last year that she goes as it is mostly repeat topics and she has attended most of them over the past few years that applied to Enfield. Resolution #36-2026 Adopt Local Law # 1-2026 Senior and Disabled Citizens Real Property Partial Tax Exemptions WHEREAS, upon proper notice a Public Hearing was held on the 25 th day of February 2026, where all persons wishing to speak regarding proposed Local Law #1 of 2026 were heard by the Enfield Town Board, and WHEREAS, after consideration of all information presented and available, it is the determination of the Enfield Town Board that the Town will be best served to adopt Local Law #1 of 2026- “SENIOR AND DISABLED CITIZENS’ REAL PROPERTY PARTIAL TAX EXEMPTIONS”, so now therefore it be RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby enacts, adopts and approves Local Law #1 of 2026 in the form as presented to this meeting, being the same as was presented at the Public Hearing; and further be it RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk file this Local Law with the New York Department of State. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State. TOWN OF ENFIELD, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK LOCAL LAW # 1 of 2026 AMENDMENT TO LOCAL LAW # 7-2022 SENIOR AND DISABLED CITIZENS’ REAL PROPERTY PARTIAL TAX EXEMPTION Section 1. Legislative Findings, Intent, and Purpose 3 The Enfield Town Board makes the following findings: 1. The Enfield Town Board has previously adopted and periodically amended, most recently through Local Law #7 of 2022, a partial exemption from property tax for certain Persons Sixty-Five Years of Age or Older and Disabled Citizens, as authorized by Section 467 of the Real Property Tax Law (“RPTL”). 2. The New York State Legislature has authorized municipalities to increase the percentage limits for eligibility by senior citizens, and by senior citizens only, for this referenced exemption. 3. Increasing the limits to a level within the authorization provided under State law will assist older residents of the Town with meeting increased costs of living while remaining in their homes. 4. Increasing the limits to a level within the authorization provided under State law will further the Health & Safety goals of this Town and the associated objective of addressing the needs of older adults. Based upon the above findings, the intent and purpose of this Local Law is to increase the income limits for the partial tax exemption allowed pursuant to RPTL §§467 as set forth herein. Section 2. Amendments to Local Law # 7-2022 This Section 2 amends only the following provision of Town of Enfield Local Law #7-2022, with the remainder of the law’s provisions unchanged: (a) Town of Enfield Law is hereby amended to add a new SECTION 3-A, an Exemption Table applicable to Senior Citizens, age 65 and older as specified in SECTION 2 of the 2022 Local Law: Section 3-A.: Supplemental Exemption Tables: Notwithstanding the exemptions otherwise stated in this Law, such partial exemption, applicable to qualifying senior citizens only, shall be to the extent set forth in the following schedule: Annual Income of Owner or Combined Annual Income of Owner Percentage Assessed Valuation Exempt from Taxation Up to $32,000 65% More than $32,000 but less than $33,000 60% More than $33,000 but less than $34,000 55% More than $34,000 but less than $35,000 50% More than $35,000 but less than $36,000 45% More than $36,000 but less than $37,000 40% More than $37,000 but less than $38,000 35% More than $38,000 but less than $38,900 30% More than $38,900 but less than $39,800 25% More than $39,800 but less than $40,700 20% More than $40,700 but less than $41,600 15% 4 More than $41,600 but less than $42,500 10% More than $42,500 but less than $43,400 5% Section 3. Severability Clause Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Local Law. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Local Law is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Local Law. Section 4. Effective Date This Local Law shall be effective immediately upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State and shall be applicable for all assessment rolls filed after this date. Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded. Discussion: The purpose of this amendment is to allow for additional eligibility to Town residents, by allowing up to 65% exemption to those who qualify. Lynch. This exemption may assist some senior citizens being able to stay in their homes. Enfield does not have a senior apartment complex. So when seniors have to sell their homes, they leave this community. This exemption may help keep those people here. Rosie Carpenter asked if you are limited on what the exemption applies to. For example a home and 10 acres. Councilperson Lynch read a memo that Jay Franklin had sent him. This exemption only applies to a residential portion. If the property owner owns 100+ acres then it would be limited to 10 acres or less. Each taxing jurisdiction can adopt their own income scale. VOTE: Aye; Hinkle, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond Nay, 0; Carried. Resolution #37-2026 A Resolution strongly encouraging immediate review of electric delivery charges, demanding improved cost controls and transparency, and authorizing formal complaints to the new York state public service commission regarding the escalating cost of electricity. WHEREAS, residents, seniors, and small businesses in the Town of Enfield are experiencing unsustainable, repeated, and compounding increases in electric bills that are placing a growing financial strain on households and the local economy; and WHEREAS, a substantial portion of these increases is attributable not to increased energy consumption, but to escalating delivery charges, fees, and approved rate adjustments imposed by NYSEG; and WHEREAS, electric delivery charges and rate structures are regulated and approved by the New York State Public Service Commission, which is statutorily charged with ensuring that utility rates are just, reasonable, and affordable for ratepayers; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has received numerous complaints from residents who are struggling to afford 5 basic electric service and who have expressed serious concern regarding the frequency, magnitude, and lack of transparency surrounding recent and ongoing rate increases; and WHEREAS, rural and low-density communities such as the Town of Enfield are disproportionately impacted by delivery charge increases and cost-recovery mechanisms that fail to adequately account for affordability, equity, and the cumulative burden placed on ratepayers; and WHEREAS, the Town Board finds that continued approval of rate in creases without stronger cost controls, greater transparency, and meaningful affordability protections is unacceptable and contrary to the public interest; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield formally and strongly urges the New York State Public Service Commission to conduct a thorough and immediate review of electric delivery charges, rate increases, and cost-recovery practices applicable to NYSEG customers; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board calls upon the Public Service Commission to prioritize ratepayer affordability, demand greater transparency from NYSEG, and require demonstrable cost-containment and operational efficiency measures before approving any future rate increases; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board expressly opposes continued or automatic rate increases that shift rising operational, infrastructure, and administrative costs onto ratepayers without clear justification or adequate protection for rural communities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to submit formal complaints, written comments, and supporting documentation to the New York State Public Service Commission on behalf of the Town and its residents, objecting to excessive electric costs and requesting regulatory intervention; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the New York State Public Service Commission, NYSEG, the Governor of the State of New York, members of the New York State Legislature, and neighboring municipalities served by NYSEG, and to encourage coordinated action among affected towns Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch two components are involved in your bill the Electric delivery fee and a supply fee. NYSEG states they only have control over the delivery fee and their rates can vary significantly. Most of the rate cases, effect the delivery side. He brought some homework with him. Over the last 5 years for his own residence. 2020 3.6 cents per KW, in 2021 cents 4.4 per KW, in 2022 4.7 cents per KW, 2023 5.9 cents per KW, in 2024 it was 7.3 cents per KW, and in 2025 9.0 cents per KW. That is a lot higher than normal inflation. If you take into account what legislature Oslund sent, they are talking of a 35% increase in electric delivery charges. We have to figure out why the rate is going up so much faster than inflation. This resolution came from the Town of Cincinnatus. Councilperson Millspaugh, she had a $1,700 bill for the last month. When it was super cold, they only heated two rooms. Councilperson Lynch he pays utilities on three separate properties. One is on NYSEG supply. He opened his electric bill at 13 cents and it is now 25 cents per KWR. NYSEG is out of control. It is a hot button issue for NYS. 6 VOTE: Aye; Hinkle, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond Nay, 0; Carried. Resolution #38-2026 Approval Final 2025 budget modifications WHEREAS, it is necessary to modify the 2025 budget based on updated estimates of revenues and expenditures in 2025, and WHEREAS, a detailed listing and description of each budget adjustment by Fund has been provided to the Town Board for review as presented below, be it therefore RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board approves the budget modifications as outlined below. GENERAL FUND - A FINAL 2025 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS Current Increase/Modified Account #Description Budget (Decrease)Budget Expenditures A1220.11 Supervisor - Personal Services 27,053.00$ 1.00$ 27,054.00$ A1316.44 Payroll Processing Fees 4,000.00$ 35.00$ 4,035.00$ A1620.1 Buildings - Personal Service 6,502.00$ 1.00$ 6,503.00$ A1620.2 Buildings - Equipment 300.00$ 1,230.00$ 1,530.00$ A1620.43 Buildings - Web Hosting 8,500.00$ 410.00$ 8,910.00$ A1670.2 Central Pring and Mail - Equip 2,300.00$ 30.00$ 2,330.00$ A1670.4 Central Print and Mail 2,500.00$ 1,600.00$ 4,100.00$ A3010.1 Public Safety - Personal Services 33,059.00$ 1.00$ 33,060.00$ A5010.1 Superintendent of Highway - PS 82,790.00$ 1.00$ 82,791.00$ A9030.8 Social Security 20,700.00$ 1,060.00$ 21,760.00$ A1990.4 Contingent Account 12,480.00$ (4,369.00)$ 8,111.00$ Total Expenditure Adjustments -$ Description of Proposed Adjustments : These General Fund budget adjustments address final adjustments needed to cover spending through the end of the 2025 budget year, incorporating accounts payable at 12/31. Many of the adjustments are minor, in some cases due to rounding or other minor differences from the budget plan. $4,369 is being used from contingency to fund the overages. 7 Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. VOTE: Aye; Hinkle, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond Nay, 0; Carried. Announcements: Councilperson Lynch does not have an update on the Wastewater permitting as he is still awaiting a response to his email. Adjournment: Councilperson Millspaugh motioned and Councilperson Lynch seconded, adjourned at 7:26 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Cornell Mary Cornell Town Clerk HIGHWAY FUND - DA FINAL 2025 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS Current Increase/Modified Account #Description Budget (Decrease)Budget Revenues DA2665 Sale of Equipment -$ 33,175.00$ 33,175.00$ Total Revenue Adustments 33,175.00$ Expenditures DA5110.14 General Repairs - Personnel - OT 5,060.00$ 10.00$ 5,070.00$ DA5130.2 Machinery - Equipment 211,825.00$ 93,165.00$ 304,990.00$ DA5130.4 Machinery - Contractual 130,000.00$ 5,250.00$ 135,250.00$ DA5130.45 Machinery - Diesel and Gas Fuel 75,000.00$ (5,250.00)$ DA5142.14 Snow Removal - Personnel - OT 20,240.00$ 2,940.00$ 23,180.00$ DA5140.1 Brush and Weeds - Personnel 20,800.00$ (2,950.00)$ 17,850.00$ DA9060.81 Health Insurance 82,470.00$ 2,000.00$ 84,470.00$ DA9040.8 Workers Comp Insurance 25,258.00$ (1,000.00)$ 24,258.00$ DA9050.8 Unemployment Insurance 3,308.00$ (1,000.00)$ 2,308.00$ DA9710.6 Installment Purchase - Principal 94,083.00$ (50,000.00)$ 44,083.00$ DA9710.7 Installment Purchase - Interest 19,149.00$ (9,990.00)$ 9,159.00$ Total Expenditure Adjustments 33,175.00$ Description of Proposed Adjustments : There are a few lines in the Highway Fund that exceeded budget, however there was adequate funding in other lines to cover the overages. In addition, equipment sale revenue is being recognized in the budget and allocated to the equipment line, and funds that had been budgeted for a truck payment were moved to the equipment line to cover the truck downpayment due to the delay in receiving the asset.