Long-Term Savings Accounts Developed - Sales Tax Sharing Discussed

DELHI - The Delhi Town Council developed several reserve funds at the regular meeting on Dec. 30. The accounts were developed to set goals and organize the town's financials. "This shows we have a plan and are working on a longer-term plan," said Supervisor Maya Boukai. Three savings reserves were created for Highway road repair, the pool and playground, and a capital reserve building fund. 

To establish the Highway road repair fund, $50,000 was transferred from the Planter Brook savings account. From General Fund A, $90,000 was transferred to the pool and playground reserve. The CD for the pool was shifted into the pool and playground reserve which totaled $195,000. Additional funds from General Fund A of $85,575 were shifted to the capital building reserve along with $257,000 that was originally allocated to the town hall capital reserve. All three reserves will be transferred into long-term CDs to accrue interest.

The vote was unanimous with Councilmember Christina Viafore absent.

Boukai mentioned these funds will put the town in a better position to make larger purchases when needed like trucks for the Highway Department that can cost half a million.

In another discussion, Boukai reported a hopeful deadline of March for a decision on if the County will share sales tax revenue with towns and villages. The deadline would give villages an answer on whether they can depend on this revenue as they prepare their budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Mayors of the 14 villages approached the County in August 2024, asking they share 12% of sales tax revenue. Of that 12%, they suggest, villages would split 60% and towns the other 40%. The shared tax is thought to offset village budgets that could avoid higher tax increases. 

In November, Budget Director Art Merrill announced the finance committee's decision not to include shared sales tax in the 2025 budget. Since the decision, several municipalities, includeing the town and village of Walton and Delhi Village, have requested a larger discussion between all 19 supervisors. 

Boukai asked if any council members felt it necessary to also write a letter to the County. "I don't know that this will matter that much but we can," she noted. 

Councilmember Margaret Baldwin said that she hopes County officials can all be patient enough to hear all sides and concerns with the matter. "I think there is another way to equalize it (revenue sharing) and not put a strain on how the County is using it," she said. Baldwin also commented that Supervisors should strive for transparency. She continued to state that each municipality is unique and until there is an understanding of what each one needs an answer on how to support one another will not be found. Baldwin was skeptical that supervisors could meet the March deadline.

Councilmember Matthew Krzyston noted that Delhi community members asked for County revenue support - due to having 75% tax-exempt properties as the county seat -  about two years ago and were denied. "How many times are people expected to keep trying," he said. 

Krzyston volunteered to draft the letter to the County. The council is expected to approve the letter at the January meeting.

Justice Mat Burkert reported roughly 30 traffic tickets that qualified for the diversion program in December. Notices have been sent out to violators but no participation has taken place yet, he said. The court will produce a monthly report for diversion participation. The Justice Department received $8,355 in tickets in November.

In other business:

Viafore and Baldwin will organize the 2024 audit of the court. 

A $50,000 grant through ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) has been submitted. If received funds will be used to update the comprehensive plan. 

Elizabeth Kelly was appointed to the Board of Assessment retroactively from Oct. 2024 until Sept. 2029.

Allen Reed was reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term.

Helfgott & Renfroe Foundation donated $2,000 to the highway department and another $2,000 to the pool.

Board members will review new regulations regarding procurement policies. A new policy is expected to be voted in at the next regular meeting.

The board will consider placement of No Smoking signs at the pool and playground. 

The Code Enforcement Officer issued three building permits, one certificate of occupancy, renewed a building permit, conducted 14 inspections, held six conferences, one training, three site visits, reviewed two plans, and drove 148 miles in November.

The next regular meeting and organizational is scheduled Monday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m.