BETHEL — Boardmembers in Bethel voted unanimously to approve the 2023 budget last week following a public hearing regarding the town’s financial status. 

The approximately $10.3 million dollar budget is again under the state-mandated two percent tax cap by about $2,000. The tax rate will go from around $9.90 per $1,000 to approximately $10.10 per $1,000.

“The town of Bethel is in the strongest financial footing that we have ever been in,” Sturm said. “In this budget we have taken care of our youth, our seniors, our employees, our roads, our assets and most importantly our tax payers.  It is a fiscally conservative, sound fiscal plan and document. Because of our daily oversight and daily conservative budget management practices we are in a solid, good financial position again this year.”

In the lighting district, the budget stays steady at $23,500. There has been no increase for over 10 years in the lighting budget. 

The town’s switch to LED lights has provided over 75 percent savings, although there is still a yearly bond for the transition to LED lights. 

“Once that’s finalized there will be a great reduction in the lighting district budget,” Sturm said. “There will be huge long-term savings, as well as being green, setting an example for other residents and municipalities to follow and will be much better off for the environment.”  

Sturm said the town bills in the lighting district have gone from around $30,000 down to around $6,000-$7,000 since the town switched to LED bulbs. 

The highway budget includes more money for maintenance of streets and snow removal payroll. The town continues to save close to $100,000 a year by mining its own sand on Ballard Road, which is projected to provide $2 million in savings over 20 years.

Highway bonds have decreased from over $500,000 in 2008 to just $38,000 in 2023.

“We have purchased needed  equipment over the last few years using available fund balances and operating budgets so we didn’t have to bond,” Sturm said. “We have plenty of funds budgeted for next year to get the job done.”

The town is adding funds for bonds in their general fund for several future projects, including a new highway garage and a renovated town hall which are both in the engineering stage.

The Town is also allocating $8,000 for a full scale aquatic computerized survey for White Lake. 

Councilwoman Vicky Simpson thanked Supervisor and Budget Officer Dan Sturm for the handling of town finances that have allowed for a new town barn and town hall while remaining under the tax cap. 

New Attorneys

Bethel’s town attorney Karen Mannino and planning board attorney Jacqueline Ricciani have both stepped down from their roles to pursue other opportunities.

Ricciani, who has been with the Town of Bethel for over 10 years, is running unopposed for Sullivan County Family Court Judge. 

Supervisor Daniel Sturm said the town has been interviewing other candidates to fill these positions. 

As of November 1, the Bethel Town Attorney is Marvin Newburgh.

Also as of November 1, Michelle Babcock from Jacobowitz and Gubitz is serving as Planning and Zoning Board attorney. 

Supervisor Sturm said the board would be sending them certificates of appreciation, “thanking them for all the help they’ve given to the town of Bethel. They were great in so many ways.”