Town of North Salem Regular Meeting/Worksession - December 9, 2025

The Town Board of North Salem held a regular meeting and worksession on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM, preceded by an executive session at 6:30 PM. The meeting included public hearings on proposed water rate increases and the 2026 preliminary budget, adoption of several resolutions, and a worksession discussion of the budget and other town matters.

Executive Session

• The board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a specific contract.
• After the closed session, the board reconvened and later entered a second executive session for another contract discussion.

Public Hearings

• Local Law #4-25 – Water Rates: The board held a public hearing to consider amending Chapter 230, Section 45 of the Town Code to increase water rates across all five water districts (Sunset Ridge, Croton Falls, Candlewood Park, Salem Acres, and Pabst Water District). Rates were raised by approximately 10%, with Candlewood Park increasing from $7.20 to $9.00 per thousand gallons for the first 10,000 gallons and $11.00 thereafter. The hearing was kept open until the December 16, 2025 meeting.
• 2026 Preliminary Town Budget: The board presented the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026. The budget includes a tax levy increase of approximately 3.9% (below the state tax cap) and addresses new costs from health insurance increases (8.7-24.2% depending on plan), worker's compensation savings, and adjustments to employee buyout stipends. The hearing was left open until the December 16, 2025 meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution #2: Pay town bills totaling $223,008.11 – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #3: Pay highway bills totaling $27,550.07 – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #4: Adopt Local Law #4-25 amending water rates (per attached) – Approved 3-1 (Councilman Martin dissented).
• Resolution #5: Acknowledge receipt of retirement letter from Tax Receiver Karen Roach, effective December 30, 2025 – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #6: Acknowledge receipt of retirement letter from Road Maintenance Foreman/Police Officer James “Bo” DePauli, effective December 30, 2025 – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #7: Authorize Change Order No. 4 with Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. for $11,910.82 for additional window sash and frame fabrication at the Delancey Hole renovation project – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #8: Amend the Highway Department Wage and Salary Compensation Policy to more objectively define storm-related overtime – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #9: Authorize payment of $9,745.25 to Northern Markets LLC as a pass-through from a $38,981 DEC Farmers Market Resiliency Grant – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #10: Authorize Supervisor to seek bids for installation of a PFAS removal system at the Sunset Ridge Water District – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #11: Authorize expense of $20,425.00 to Water Remediation Technology for purchase of a six‑canister PFOS removal system for Sunset Ridge Water District – Approved unanimously.
• Resolution #12: Authorize refund of $530.75 in building department engineering escrow overpayment for 7 Bloomer Road – Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Budget Adjustments: The board discussed the impact of higher-than‑expected health insurance cost increases (8.7% for family plans, 24.2% for one Medicare plan). The supervisor noted that a 4% contingency was insufficient, requiring a $53,000 shortfall. Offsetting savings were found through lower workers’ compensation premiums ($6,855) and a reduction in health insurance buyout stipends from $6,000 to $5,000 per person (saving $8,000). The supervisor expressed reluctance to use fund balance for operating expenses. Council members debated whether to include a full‑time water district manager position (estimated $85,000+ including benefits) and an additional mechanic for the highway department. The consensus was to defer these hires to future years to keep the tax levy increase near 3.9%.
• Water District Management: The board considered hiring a part‑time water district manager to oversee operations, but decided not to include it in the 2026 budget due to lack of room under the tax cap. The supervisor noted that management responsibilities currently fall on him and that BRI (the contracted operator) handles day‑to‑day maintenance.
• Stipend Increases: The board agreed to increase all stipends (deputy supervisor, deputy receiver, etc.) by 3% to maintain consistency, affecting only a few hundred dollars.
• Health Insurance Options: The board discussed exploring lower‑cost health plans (e.g., a high‑deductible plan) to offer employees as an alternative to the current $44,000‑per‑year family plan. The supervisor noted that employees pay 20% of the premium.
• Capital Planning: The board acknowledged the need for a multi‑year capital plan for vehicle and building replacements, and noted a bond of approximately $160,000 per year is coming off, which could offset future costs.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing on the 2026 budget and the water rate law were left open until the December 16, 2025 meeting, at which the board plans to adopt the final budget.
• All resolutions were passed (most unanimously; Resolution #4 passed 3-1).
• The board approved the minutes of September 30, 2025 (special meeting) and October 14, 2025 (regular meeting) with corrections.
• The board acknowledged the monthly departmental reports for November 2025.
• The supervisor and council members expressed appreciation for the Police Department's handling of the Lions Club run and the Jingle Bell Jog event, and thanked the Lions Club for ongoing community support.
• A second executive session was held to discuss another contract; no decisions were reported.
• The next meeting was scheduled for December 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM to adopt the budget.