Newburgh · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 City Budget
The council was scheduled to discuss preparations for the 2027 city budget, which shapes next year's taxes, services, and staffing.
Property tax levy above the tax cap
Local Law No. B of 2026 would let the city levy property taxes above the state limit set by General Municipal Law Section 3-c. That directly affects homeowners' property tax bills.
Tax Certiorari Consent Judgments on Downtown Properties
Eleven resolutions would settle tax refund lawsuits against the city on properties including several Broadway buildings, 296 Liberty Street and 189 Grand Street. These settlements can reduce the city's tax revenue.
Non-Bargaining Unit Salary and Benefit Plan
Resolution No. 43 would amend and restate the salary and benefits plan for non-union city employees, affecting pay for a slice of the municipal workforce.
DPW staffing shortfall since 2010
About 32 DPW positions were cut in 2010 and never restored — the department runs on roughly half its old workforce. Councilmembers Martinez and Stewart discussed adding permanent positions and raising temp pay from $18/hour, but Stewart stressed the city needs new revenue first.
Bourne and Kenney PILOT agreement
A payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for the Bourne and Kenney affordable housing development would set how much the project pays the city instead of full property taxes.
Support staff for volunteer boards and council
Corporation Counsel said her office is the de facto administrator for several unstaffed boards — printing flyers, booking rooms, processing vouchers. Multiple council members asked to add an administrative support position in the 2027 budget to take that off the attorneys' plates.
Low pay in the Tax Collector's office
The tax collector's cashiers collect 90-95% of the city's revenue but sit at grade 4 — some earning under $50,000 after decades. Council members across the board said they want raises worked into the city manager's budget before November.
City Manager vacancy
The council was scheduled to discuss an anticipated vacancy in the City Manager's office — a top leadership post that affects how every city department is run.
City Manager Search
With an interim city manager in place, the council discussed how to plan the transition of the city manager position.
2025 City Audit
The city's outside accounting firm was scheduled to present the 2025 audit — a look at how well the city managed its money last year.
City Charter review
The council opened a discussion on reviewing the City Charter — the document that defines how city government works. Any changes could reshape how the city is governed.
City finances and police overtime
The fourth-quarter report showed property tax collections at 104% of budget, but police overtime hit 77 points over target because of a manpower shortage. That's a budget pressure residents could feel in next year's spending plan.