HIGHLAND – The Town Board of Highland passed their final 2024 Budget, as well as approved a modified agreement with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office for an additional term through December 31, 2024.

The budget passed 3-0, with Town Board Members Kaitlin Haas, Fred Bosch and Town Supervisor Jeff Haas. Town Board Member Chris Tambini was absent from the meeting on November 14.

According to Town Supervisor Jeff Haas, in the last six years, the board has identically matched the rate of growth of the town to the rate of growth in the budget. This reflects an increasing revenue rate for the town overall.

The budget is below the two percent tax cap with a 1.47 percent increase and has a total of $2,267,610.27.

“Coupled with the county releasing their budget with a zero percent increase, this town may actually see their taxes flat or possibly go down a hair,” Haas said. “Which is a very tough thing to accomplish.”

Haas did note that a rate within the budget that they could not figure is the difference in the fire taxes between the two protection districts that encompass the town.

According to the Supervisor, the Highland Lake Fire Department increased slightly over two percent, and Yulan Fire Department stayed just under, saying taxpayers covered by the former Department “might see a little fluctuation.”

Lease agreements for the two fire departments were also passed by the board, both extending until December 31, 2024.

Additionally, with the dismantling of the Highland Constabulary in April of 2022, the town has sought out a deal with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office to fill the void. The motion to extend the agreement until late next year was initiated by Town Board member Kaitlin Haas, seconded by Fred Bosch and accepted by the board. 

Wreaths Across America

Commander of Tusten-Highland-Lumberland VFW Post 6427 Pete Carmeci Sr. reported before the Town Board plans for a Wreaths Across America event on December 16. 

Four hundred and four wreaths (404) will be placed on Veteran gravestones in Tusten, Highland, Lumberland and Glen Spey. Additionally, a service will be held in Heroes Park in Eldred to honor those lost.

New Supervisor incoming

The town of Highland will be seeing a change in municipal leadership following Election Day. Current Supervisor Jeff Haas was defeated at the polls by challenger Johnny Pizzolato.

This was Pizzolato’s second time facing off against the incumbent for the seat on the town board.

The new Supervisor will be instated to the position January 1st, 2024.