The 2025 budget for the Town of Kirkland holds the line on taxes while providing funding for growth.
The $2.1 million budget does not change the property tax rate from this year, Town Supervisor Bob Meelan said at last week’s Town Board meeting.
No one spoke at the public hearing prior to the Board adopting the budget.
Before the budget was adopted, Budget Director Tony Arcuri explained an adjustment for Medicare insurance costs.
The projected premium of $275 a month for retirees covered went up to $508 per person.
Arcuri said that was close to an $100,000 adjustment.
Money was moved from contingency and unfilled positions in the Highway Department to cover the cost.
The budget includes $75,000 for bridge work, $200,000 for Kirkland Trails to continue expanding the trail north and $50,000 for another pickleball court.
If a grant is not received, money will be allocated for the new salt barn out of the Capital Projects fund.
Arcuri and Meelan said sales tax revenue and good return on investments allowed for holding the tax rate without an increase and providing funding for projects.
Chip Bassett and Jim Bramley from Kirkland Trails thanked the Board for the funding.
Bassett said the money will put the group over the hump on planned projects while still raising money to take the trail farther.
Board members gave approval for the Clinton Fire Department to have their second annual Lights Around the Park at Kirkland Town Park.
The fund raiser for the Fire Department runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 29 in the evenings.
Businesses can sign up to sponsor a sign by emailing stephen@haletransportatio ngroup.com
“They did a great job last year,’’ Meelan said.
The snow and ice removal agreement with Oneida County was approved. Meelan said it is the same as last year’s agreement.
Board members also approved the 2025 Animal Control Agreement with the Town of New Hartford.
Due to new state regulations on animal shelters, Meelan said New Hartford is looking into creating its own shelter for use by other municipalities.
A couple of problems hit the town at once earlier this month.
Lights at the Clinton Arena went out while skaters were on the ice.
A couple of practices had to be cancelled before the problem was fixed, Meelan said.
While that was going on the Kirkland Police Department learned it had a gas leak. That too was fixed after it was deemed a major leak.
Board members approved another term for Mike Teesdale on the Planning Board and for Christopher Hubbell on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
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