The Gallatin Town Board turned its attention to preparations for next year’s budget and a long-awaited zoning update, with officials warning that staffing pressures and flat revenue could complicate planning.
At the Tuesday, Aug. 19, meeting, Supervisor John Reilly described the session as “a catch-up, and that time of year to formulate the 2026 budget.” The board’s early discussions touched on zoning, personnel, and future debt obligations.
Board member Jeff Jorve proposed an additional workshop to bring the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals together with Code Enforcement Officer Jake Exline and Town Attorney Andy Howard, who is drafting the new zoning code. The session would be open to the public but not intended for comment. From the audience, Tara Silberberg urged that the Conservation Advisory Council be included, and the board agreed the group will present recommendations at its September meeting, including analysis for a proposed forest overlay. Howard is also expected to share a first draft of the zoning update at that meeting.
Budget discussions centered on staffing, particularly with Highway Superintendent Jack Gomm expected to retire. Officials voiced concern about the prospect of replacing experienced employees with broad responsibilities, includingTown Clerk Lisa DeLeeuw and Exline, whose duties now extend to website management and Town Hall maintenance.
“We run a small crew; we need to keep them happy,” board member Michael Moran said. “We may need to increase salaries — not just by the cost-of-living — to keep the people we have.” Jorve added, “We have to have people in place who can anticipate change; it’s better to be proactive.”
There are no immediate plans to convert private roads to town roads, though Gomm cautioned that any expansion would require more staff. Jorve suggested that reviving defunct roads could help open access to lots suitable for affordable housing.
Minor cost increases are anticipated from website upgrades, a new town Zoom account, updates to the employee handbook, and replacement of outdated office computers. Assessor Rene DeLeeuw said a county-mandated property revaluation is unlikely before 2029 or 2030, though recent county staffing changes could accelerate that timeline. Reilly also raised whether more resources may be needed for the Conservation Advisory Council or the Gallatin Residents Association.
The Supervisor projected flat revenue from county sales tax in 2026, continued declines in court fees, and little growth from Columbia County’s new short-term rental tax. He said the board may need to weigh debt reduction, including a bond secured for a postponed Town Hall renovation, against raising taxes. “Do we diminish our cash reserves,” Reilly asked, “or consider an increase in taxes?” Moran was more blunt: “If people want more stuff, it’s going to cost something in taxes.”
Reilly also said the board remains committed to maintaining the Gallatin Fire District, calling it “the best option for the public.” Candidates for commissioner have been identified for the December elections, though he added that current commissioners have not responded to the board’s position in the past three months.
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