Town Budget Memo 2025
In recent discussions, the Town Council carefully reviewed and ultimately voted to break the tax cap to present the 2025 town budget. This decision was not made lightly, but it was necessary to cover critical increases in costs that affect the community’s essential services and operational needs.
To provide context, the 2024 budget appropriations were $6,703,375.16, with revenues of $3,364,559.48, resulting in a need to raise $3,338,815.68 through taxes. For 2025, the town’s total appropriations have increased to $7,182,220.84, with projected revenues of $3,254,981.29. To help offset this, $280,000 is being drawn from the town’s fund reserve, but the amount to be raised by taxes will still increase to $3,647,239.55—a necessary rise to maintain vital town operations and improvements.
Key areas requiring this additional funding include:
- Police Facility Renovation: $100,000 is being earmarked for capital improvements for our town hall which are critical to maintain and upgrade the facilities when the Village of Pelham Police department relocates to the new Village Municipal center in 2025. We are also actively seeking grant money to assist us with the costs of this necessary project.
- Ambulance Contract: Includes an increase by $64,000 – This is a contractual expense for timely, quality emergency medical services for all residents.
- Library Budget: Includes an Increase of $54,000 – Supporting our library services, a community hub for education and resources, remains a priority for the town.
- Insurance: Rising costs include a medical insurance increase of 10% and a liability Insurance increase of 15%
- Mandated Retirement and Employment Benefits: Increased by $44,500 – As mandated costs rise, meeting these obligations is essential to support our employees’ future financial security.
The impact taxpayers can expect is as follows:
2024 Tax on a home assessed at 1 Million was $754.78 (homestead)
2025 Tax on a home assessed at 1 Million is $777.37 (homestead)
The increase is $22.59
The Town Council will hold a budget hearing on Monday, December 2nd at 7pm on the 2nd floor of Town Hall. All residents are invited to review the preliminary budget and be heard during public comment.