LIBERTY  — Board Members in Liberty unanimously passed the town’s 2023 budget in November. On behalf of the board, Supervisor Frank DeMayo said he was happy to pass their ninth consecutive budget with a zero percent tax increase. 

The Town of Liberty’s 2023 adopted budget is approximately $10.8 million, representing around a 4.26 percent increase compared to the 2022 budget. In addition to no tax increase, the budget remains below the two percent tax cap by approximately $323,948. 

Supervisor DeMayo said the town is doing its best to maintain zero percent tax increases with the hope of increasing revenues in other areas.

DeMayo pointed to the BSD, LLC  Warehouse project on Old Route 17 that the Town Planning Board approved in August, as well as plans by Sims Foster for a redeveloped Sullivan County Golf Course, as ways the town is trying to increase commercial ratables. 

“We realize that’s what we have to do,” DeMayo said, explaining how additional  jobs could in turn create more opportunities for housing which will further increase their tax base.   

“There is a buzz generating about Liberty right now,” DeMayo said. “With some investments being made downtown and improvements being made in Parksville, all of this should really help to generate additional revenue.” 

The budget includes an increase in the hourly rate for seasonal and part-time employees from $13.50 to around $14.20 depending on state rates.

 Justice Court fines and Building Department fees have increased by $50,000 and  $30,000 respectively. 

The town also added an additional camp counselor in order to increase the number of attendees at Hanofee Park Day Camp and increased revenues $19,000.

The town added an additional part-time data collector for $14,400. The 2023 budget eliminates three seasonal laborer positions in the Highway Department while adding an additional highway motor equipment operator (HMEO) position. 

The 2023 budget increases the appropriated fund balance for the Townwide General Fund by $63,500, General Fund Town Outside by $37,000 and Highway Fund Townwide by $20,000.