Newburgh · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Mayor and Council Salary Increase
A public hearing was scheduled for November 9, 2026 on a local law amending City Charter Section C4.00 to increase the annual salaries of the Mayor and Council Members.
NECSD desk audits
An update on desk audits of Newburgh Enlarged City School District positions, carried forward as old business with email correspondence.
June 2026 personnel report
K. Thomas asked the commission for reinstatement to an eligible list, which would restore the ability to be considered for appointment from that list.
City Comptroller Recruitment
The city plans to spend up to $28,000 on a consulting firm to recruit its next City Comptroller, the city's top financial officer.
Rental registry trust fund sits untouched at $328K
Councilmember Monteverde flagged a rental registry trust fund with $328,000 sitting unused for years — money collected from rental licenses that was supposed to fund code staff. She asked that it be tapped to avoid hitting the general fund.
Senior program funding questions
Councilmember Zorrilla noticed the senior travel line drops from about $21,000 spent in 2025 to nothing requested for 2027. Councilmember McLymore also pressed not to cut seniors. Staff agreed to review the line.
NECSD Senior Data Processing Clerk title classification
The school district asked the commission to adopt and classify a new Senior Data Processing Clerk title, which affects how that position is filled and paid under civil service rules.
183 Prospect Street tax foreclosure settlement
A settlement of 2022 tax-lien foreclosure litigation for the property at 1 Grand Street was on the agenda.
FY2025 CDBG performance report public hearing
A public hearing was scheduled for August 10 on the city's federal block grant annual report, with 15 days for residents to comment on how CDBG funds were used.
Purchasing Agent eligible list
The Commission was asked to declare the Purchasing Agent eligible list appropriate for use, which lets the city start hiring from it.
Payment of claims
Three claim payments totaling about $164,000 were scheduled for a vote, including a $150,000 settlement to Rajohine Johnson.
Orange County Sales Tax Revenue Correction
The Comptroller was scheduled to brief the council on a correction to how Orange County distributes sales tax revenue — a issue that can affect city budgets.
Pending city litigation
The council met behind closed doors to discuss proposed, pending, or current litigation involving the city. Residents won't know the subject or outcome unless the council announces it later in open session.
Multiyear Financial Plan 2026-2029
The city's plan to balance budgets through 2029, using reserves while developing new revenue like hotel occupancy and cannabis taxes, with a goal of zero reliance on appropriated fund balance by 2031.
Property Assessment Consulting Contract
The city is considering paying GAR Associates $220,000 over three years to help prepare accurate property tax rolls for 2026–2028. Accurate assessments affect every property owner's tax bill.
Deputy City Manager Title Added to Exempt Class
The city's civil service rules now include a Deputy City Manager title in the exempt class, meaning that position can be filled without competitive civil service testing. It sets up the city's leadership structure under the city manager.
Assistant City Comptroller position
The proposed 2026 Personnel Book amendment would add an Assistant City Comptroller in the Finance Department, strengthening oversight of city finances.