THOMPSON — Budget season is underway in the Town of Thompson, and the Town Board is taking steps to give itself the option of exceeding the state property tax cap as it works on the 2027 budget.

During its October 6 meeting, the board voted to schedule a public hearing for November 4 on a proposed local law that would allow the town to override the state’s tax levy limit.

Town Supervisor Scott Mace said the move is something the town does every year as a precaution while officials continue working on the budget.

The state tax cap generally limits how much municipalities can increase the total amount of property taxes collected each year. However, municipalities can override that limit by adopting a local law.

Scheduling the hearing does not mean Thompson plans to exceed the cap. It simply gives the town the opportunity to consider doing so if necessary.

The public hearing will take place November 4 at Town Hall. The board’s regular meeting was also moved from November 3 to November 4 because of Election Day.

Harris Sewer

The Thompson Town Board also gave preliminary approval to a proposed extension of the Consolidated Harris Sewer District to include property at 190 Cold Spring Road, known as Kozy Acres.

The property, owned by KA Annex LLC, would be able to connect to the existing sewer district for wastewater disposal.

According to documents presented during the public hearing, the landowner will be responsible for all costs associated with the extension, including construction, engineering, administrative and legal expenses.

The documents also estimate an average annual sewer cost of $683.20 for a typical single-family residence with one to four bedrooms.

Following the public hearing, the board approved several resolutions related to the extension, including an environmental determination and preliminary approval subject to a permissive referendum, which allows eligible voters to petition for a public vote on the decision within a specified period.