The Pine Plains Town Board postponed consideration of its 2027 preliminary budget on Oct. 15 after members raised questions about changes made by Town Supervisor Brian Walsh, who was absent from the meeting.
Board members said they had reviewed the tentative budget with Walsh at an earlier workshop and agreed on revisions, but that Walsh subsequently made additional changes that had not been discussed.
The board decided to delay further consideration until Walsh could explain the changes. Members scheduled a special meeting for Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. and tentatively set a public hearing on the preliminary budget for Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.
In other business, the board rejected the sole bid received for sidewalk improvements at Town Center Park after the proposal came in substantially over budget.
The base bid totaled $56,150 for sidewalk work, with an additional $34,180 proposed for paving beneath the park’s pergola. Ten contractors requested bid packages, but only one submitted a proposal.
The town engineer recommended rejecting the bid and exploring alternatives over the winter, with the possibility of restarting the project in the spring. The board agreed.
The board also authorized Town Attorney Warren Replansky to pursue legal action against utility companies that have failed to remove abandoned poles under the town’s double-pole law. Replansky said the town would continue seeking a resolution without litigation but needed authorization to pursue enforcement if necessary.
Separately, the board began the process of adopting a local law that would allow the town to exceed the state’s property tax levy cap in 2027 if necessary. Officials described the measure as a precautionary step rather than an indication that the town intends to exceed the cap. A public hearing was scheduled for Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
The board also approved:
- Agreements necessary to move forward with a state-funded natural resources inventory.
- An application for a free prescription medication disposal kiosk at Town Hall.
- A search for a replacement police vehicle, with preliminary costs estimated at approximately $55,000.
- Advertising for a new highway department laborer following the resignation of Randy Coons, effective Oct. 8.
The board also discussed the town’s beautification efforts following an Oct. 13 community forum, including potential partnerships among town committees on planting, landscaping, and streetscape improvements.