Town Meeting Approves $12.236M Budget
Goshen’s Center School cafeteria was host to a hybrid annual budget and special town meeting on Wednesday, May 29th. Residents voted on a town budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, authorized the Board of Selectmen to apply for and receive state or federal grants for the town, elected one member of the Board of Education of the Regional 6 School District from Goshen for a term beginning in July till the school district’s finalization, and enacted a Farm Machinery Tax Exemption Ordinance.
Following Town Clerk, Barbara Breor’s, reading of the meeting’s agenda, moderator Patrick Reilly introduced the vote on the Board of Finance’s proposed 2024-2025 fiscal year town budget. Before the vote began, Board of Finance Chairman Allen Walker spoke on the budget. “I think we could say that in the end, everybody got what they said they needed,” said Walker. “Not all that they wanted, but what they said they needed.” He claimed the budget will be lower despite increased spending in the past few years. (See Board of Finance, pg. 3). Walker then motioned to accept the proposed budget approved in the amount of $12,236,289. All residents in attendance voted for approval except one, who voted nay. The budget passed.
The meeting then tackled the Board of Selectmen’s (blanket) authorization to apply for State or Federal grants for use by the Town. Board of Finance member Bob Valentine motioned to authorize this action. This was unanimously approved.
The residents then elected one member of the Board of Education of Regional 6 School District from Goshen for a term beginning on Monday, July 1st until school district 20’s finalization. Horvay nominated Board of Fire Commissioners member Michael Bergin for the position. No one else was nominated. Horvay motioned to close nominations. This was unanimously approved, and Bergin was elected.
Finally, the residents voted on accepting the Farm Machinery Tax Exemption Ordinance. The ordinance would make all farm machinery exempt from property tax. Bob Valentine asked what machinery is currently taxed that would not be taxed after this ordinance. Carusillo said any equipment that’s over $500,000 would be exempt. Breor clarified, “Currently, equipment under $500,000 is not taxed. Anything $500,000 would be taxed. That’s the state statute.” Following the clarification, Horvay motioned to adopt the ordinance. This was unanimously approved.
