Newfield anticipates another tax increase

Every year, the town of Newfield implements a tax cap override in case there’s an increase past the designated tax levy.

It’s a precautionary measure for the town as it prepares to build the budget for the following year. The town will create a local law or an ordinance in case an override is needed.

“It’s something the town does every year just in case they need to go over the tax cap, which they did last year,” Town Supervisor Mike Allinger said. “It’s good practice so we’re not surprised by possible increases when we put the budget together.”

Last year, the town board adopted its 2025 budget on Oct. 30 with a 9% spike in spending and a 3% tax levy increase. Town officials increased the tax levy by 0.14%, or $3,827, due an increase in health insurance benefits and cost-of-living expenses. The increase went over the New York state-recommended 2.86% tax cap for Newfield, something the town hasn’t had to consider since the state introduced the tax limit in 2011.

“It worked out because it passed without any fanfare,” Allinger said in December.

Allinger said that he anticipates the tax levy to rise for a second consecutive year, as Newfield officials prepare to begin budget preparation for 2026. The town’s recommended tax cap is at 2%, but inflation could be a factor.

The town was hoping to return, or get close to the budget numbers in 2023, when they went under the 2% tax cap. But, Allinger noted, Newfield officials are expecting another rise in benefits and expenses.

Allinger said that Excellus, the town’s health insurance provider, is calling for a 17% increase in costs for benefits after a 15% spike in 2024. Newfield is also in the midst of contract negotiations with the town’s fire department, which is seeking a 5.5% increase in funds for the first year of the new deal.

The positive outcome of the proposed fire contract is that the percentage in costs will go down every year, Allinger added.

The 2026 budget as a whole is “unexpected at this point,” Allinger said, but he added the town doesn’t want to reduce services in Newfield.

“Everyone is feeling the pinch,” he said. “We’re looking to maintain services and modernize what we’ve got to work more efficiently.”

Town board to continue holding meetings at Masonic Temple

The Newfield Town Board will continue to hold its monthly meetings at the Masonic Temple until December, Allinger said.

The temporary relocation of the town’s meetings are due to the ongoing town hall renovations. Allinger noted that the town hall’s meeting room won’t be completed until the end of the year.

The Masonic Temple, located at 186 Main St. in Newfield, has hosted the town board since May.

“They’ve been really nice and generous to let us do our meetings there,” Allinger said.

The town board will have meetings on Aug. 14 and 28. Information on upcoming meetings can be found at newfieldny.org.

In brief:

‘Mind Over Body’ program on Aug. 14

Newfield Public Library will host its “Mind Over Body” program on Thursday, Aug. 14.

Led by instructor Mitch Raymond, the program will take place on the second floor of the library at 6 p.m. Raymond’s presentation breaks down how to “improve the strength, flexibility, stability, balance and skill” of participants’ bodies through practices that “enhance neuromuscular connection and physiologic well being,” according to a description.

The library recommends bringing a yoga mat to the program, and participants will work with the library’s chairs and tables to assist with stability. The program has a suggested donation of $10.

Library schedules three reading to dogs events

The Newfield Public Library has scheduled three events where patrons can read to dogs, starting in September.

The next three events will be held on the first Wednesday of each month. The dates include Sept. 3, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5. Each event begins at 3:30 p.m.

The event is an opportunity for children to read to volunteer therapy dogs. The library invites the public to read with dogs from Cornell Canine Companions, an all-volunteer organization sponsored by the Cornell University Veterinary College.

For more information, go to newfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Yoga at the library every Saturday

A yoga for beginners class takes place from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays at Newfield Public Library..

Phyllis KuanYin Chi, a yoga teacher certified through Yoga Farm in Lansing, leads the class. The instructor has additional training in trauma-informed yoga.

The class is on the second floor of the library. It is suitable for people new to yoga or those with mobility issues. There is also an opportunity to deepen poses for those with more experience.

The class is for ages 18 and older. Participants must have their own yoga mat or blanket. The class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10.