Park Update Nearly Complete - 15 Million 2026 Budget Adopted

BOVINA - A written report from Councilmember Jillienne LaFever and head of the playground project indicated that work is nearly completed. Supervisor Tina Molé read the report at a regular town council meeting on November 6. The council began working towards updating the existing playground at the corner of County Highway 6 and Maple Avenue in 2024.

Although the playground is not officially open yet, only minor items need to be completed. The gate needs a latch, and there are two pieces of wood that will be rounded off for safety, LaFever's report said. Once official signage is received and installed, the playground will be open for play.

The playground was last renovated in 2000. Updates include new fencing and various structural enhancements, maintaining the wooden structure. Repairs included replacement of all four jungle gym platforms with pressure-treated wood, replacement of the balance beam, new cedar roofing for the covers, caps for the uncovered posts, and repairs to one low pull-up bar post. The wiggly bridge was replaced with a solid flat bridge level with platforms. All wooden surfaces were sanded and stained with a clear, playground-compliant stain.

The project was funded through a $170,000 O'Connor Foundation grant and donated funds from the Bovina 5K race, totalling around $5,000. The contractor constructed the benches, swings, and basketball court free of charge.

Budget

Following a public hearing, the board adopted a 2026 budget of $1,564,496, representing a $59,448 increase over the 2025 budget. The budget is roughly $47 under the 2% tax cap. Of the budget, $1,040,198 will be raised by taxes, including those from special districts. The general budget is $502,046, and the highway is $790,623.

The budget includes the following annual salaries for elected officials: Supervisor Molé, $23,599; council members, $3,370 each; Highway Superintendent Edward Weber, $64,174; Town Clerk and Tax Collector Catherine Hewitt, $16,956; and Town Justice Thomas D. Lamport, $9,452.

The budget is available for review on the town website at bovinany.org.

Other Business

The following monthly bills for October were paid: $62,950 for general expenses, $571 for water, $5,035 for septic, and $13,491 for the highway department.

The unofficial election results include 210 votes for Supervisor Molé, 240 votes for Clerk and Tax Collector Hewitt, and 258 votes for Highway Superintendent Weber, all of whom ran unopposed. The unofficial results for the town councilmember are Penelope Brackett, 115 votes; John Salak, 143 votes; John Ciccone, 146 votes; and Mark Rossley, 203 votes.

The council agreed to hold payment for the Delhi swim lessons program and review the decision made in 2024. Councilmember Evelyn Stewart-Barnhart believes it was decided not to pay for the Delhi program, as Bovina residents can attend the Andes program for free.

Councilmember Marni Greenberg developed a list of items for the town to move forward with after having completed the Town Comprehensive Plan. The first objectives include developing a town email to enhance communication regarding events, emergencies, and other town updates, as well as initiating a review of zoning and subdivision laws.

Hewit reported an issue with locating files on town-abandoned roads from the 1800s. She has a pending request for a resolution indicating an officially abandoned road, which has been challenging to locate. Molé will seek guidance from the County.

A resident complained that the street lights are shining into their home, Greenberg reported. NYSEG will install shields at a cost of $100 each. The board approved conducting a survey among all those living near the lights to determine the number of shields that should be installed. During public comment, Rossley suggested just installing the one shield where an individual requested it, rather than conducting a survey.

The council entered an executive session to discuss a personnel issue.

The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m.