The Gallatin Town Board is considering a $176,000 tax refund as part of its 2026 budget while continuing work on a sweeping redraft of zoning regulations.
At its meeting on Sept. 16, the board reviewed a $1.3 million draft budget and a proposal by Supervisor John C. Reilly to return the funds — equivalent to tax revenue raised between 2020 and 2025 for a $3 million project to build a new Town Hall that was ultimately abandoned. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Oct. 21.
Because of planning for the Town Hall, Gallatin built up a $2.8 million cash reserve. Reilly outlined a plan to direct $500,000 to repairing the existing building, $50,000 for legal fees related to zoning, $730,000 to retire debt and a retirement fund penalty, and $176,000 to taxpayers. That plan would leave $600,000 for highway equipment, $540,000 for future building needs and $250,000 in cash.
Board members split on the approach. Michael Moran supported “collecting what we need and not beyond that.” But Jeff Jorve cautioned against shrinking reserves. “We have more than sufficient reserves for current needs. But if we want to do anything again in the future, having the money around is a good position to be in,” he said. “The town can think of it as a ‘rainy day fund.’” He also noted that a refund would primarily benefit those with the highest assessed properties.
Highway Superintendent Jack Goff urged more money for road work. “Getting ahead of the current schedule for road repairs ends up saving the town money,” he said. The board will revisit the budget in October.
The Conservation Advisory Council submitted a seven-page zoning proposal ahead of the meeting but declined to present. The recommendations included creating a Forest Protection Overlay District, tightening ridgeline development restrictions from 900 feet to 600 feet, and adding local wetland protections.
Board members questioned the scope. “This is a well-meaning effort to protect the natural environment of Gallatin,” Jorve said. “But I’m disappointed at the gap between what is presented and what is realistic. These recommendations go above and beyond ensuring that Gallatin maintains its natural resources and are not realistic or wise for making the town affordable to live in and protecting private property rights.”
Moran asked, “How do we keep what resources we have and encourage people to come to Gallatin?” Sara McGhee added, “It’s difficult to know how much we can protect. We want people to come here with ideas for development; we don’t want to skip over protections but we also don’t want to prohibit too much.”
Reilly supported targeted measures. “I like the forest overlay,” he said, “but I would prefer a recommendation that identifies the wildlife migration corridor, which is more targeted and is part of why Gallatin’s forestation is so important.” He warned that restrictions on clearing more than a quarter acre or regulating vernal pools could be burdensome.
“I think the goal of zoning laws is to be the face the town is presenting to the outside world: this is a good place to live,” Jorve said. “We value our natural environment. We also value being a place where you can raise a family or start a business.”
The Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Code Enforcement Officer will meet with the board and Town Attorney in October to review the proposals. The session will be open to the public but not for comment.
In other business, repairs on Route 7, closed for two months for culvert work east of the Town Hall, are expected to be completed by the end of October.