Sewer District Budgets Discussed in Middletown, Summer Enrichment Program Questioned

MIDDLETOWN - Henry Lamont of Lamont Engineers, which oversees the town’s sewer systems, reviewed the estimated budget with the Middletown Town Council at a workshop meeting on Dec. 3.

The total anticipated budget for Halcottsville Water District for 2026 is $94,450. Residential user fees are capped at $100 annually, totaling $45,000; the remaining $86,000 is covered by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The commercial property amount is $167, which is below the city's $5,000 allotment and will be fully covered. Lamont explained that the Arkville Water District's anticipated budget is similarly structured.

Significant budget changes include a 2.9% increase in the basic service fee, which aligns with the consumer price index. Administrative and clerical fees were similarly increased. Another major adjustment was a 67% increase in insurance costs. Halcottsville's telephone bill is expected to increase by 54% following the addition of a secondary line.

Lamont warned the council to keep in mind that new agreements with DEP require the board to consider the proposed flow for any new project seeking to hook into the system. He said that, due to the low city-funded budget cap for commercial properties, the budget could easily become unbalanced with high-volume users.

“You have to think twice about encouraging and accepting high water usage in the village,” he warned.

Supervisor Glen Faulkner noted that since both systems are new, maintenance expenses are low. However, in the future, items listed as capital items will not be funded under the DEP agreement.

Summer Enrichment Program

Councilmember Colleen Martin suggested accessing a report on anticipated programming for the Margaretville Central School District summer program. The town recently pledged $7,000 for the 2026 program. Martin noted that attendance was low last year and that the town could help with advertising.

Councilmember Robbin Williams noted the program was ill attended because it was not promoted until after school was out. As a parent, Williams explained that the summer is usually already accounted for by that point.

In running the program years earlier, Martin noted that the kids had fun, playing together and participating in outdoor activities rather than sitting at home. She noted that it helps parents maintain employment. The board has a responsibility to know what is happening in the program if it is to fund it, she concluded.

Mayor John Hubbell noted the village also committed funds to the program.

In Other Business

Town Historian Diane Galusha reported on her activities since her appointment last December. She outlined a robust list of activities and dealings and highlighted a need to reestablish a cemetery restoration effort. She expects to do so in 2026.

The town needs to change the website address to a .gov. Clerk Sarah Hubbell is researching the process.

Councilmember Nelson Delameter reported that the town attorney is reviewing a revised ambulance service agreement between the town and Westchester Medical.

The council is expected to review bids for purchase of a backhoe at the regular meeting scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 11, after press time.