Leonard Sparks

Nov 1, 2024 | highlandscurrent.org | Leonard Sparks

Lower taxes for residents, raises for some officialsThe Putnam County Legislature approved a $205 million budget on Tuesday (Oct. 29) that lowers the property tax rate and boosts salaries for county officials while denying one for the county executive. Putnam’s budget keeps the overall revenue from property taxes at the same level, includes the lowest tax rate in 18 years and funds 2.75 percent cost-of-living raises for legislators, Sheriff Kevin McConville, coroners, managers and other staff.

Nov 1, 2024 | highlandscurrent.org | Leonard Sparks

Lowers taxes, funds EMS, youth programsDutchess County Executive Sue Serino introduced on Tuesday (Oct. 29) a $627 million spending plan for 2025 in which expenses rise by 18 percent and the property tax rate falls by 4 percent. Her first budget as county executive represents an $18 million increase in spending and is balanced using $101 million in property taxes, $268 million in sales tax revenue (a 2 percent increase) and $20 million in fund balance.

Oct 25, 2024 | highlandscurrent.org | Leonard Sparks

Also, tentative 2025 budget lowers tax ratesThe Philipstown Town Board on Wednesday (Oct. 23) approved paving sections of Indian Brook and Lane Gate roads and began revising a draft 2025 budget that would stay within the state-mandated tax cap while lowering tax rates.

Oct 25, 2024 | highlandscurrent.org | Leonard Sparks

Rising costs top concern for Rolison, Valdés SmithWith the price of essentials such as housing and energy rising unabated, state Sen. Rob Rolison and his challenger, Yvette Valdés Smith, each say affordability is a crucial problem as they battle for a state Senate seat representing the 39th District, which includes Beacon and Philipstown.

Oct 25, 2024 | highlandscurrent.org | Leonard Sparks

Hopes to build 32 residences for seasonal performersHudson Valley Shakespeare has applied to the Philipstown Planning Board to begin building a 32-bed residential compound for its performers, who have been housed at a hotel in Fishkill. Adam Stolorow, an attorney for HVS, and architect Susan Rodriguez introduced the project to the board on Oct. 17, years earlier than anticipated in the master plan approved for the theater organization in July.