Newburgh · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fire Department Security Upgrades
The Fire Headquarters and Engine 3 at 492 Broadway would get updated cameras and a new entry system under an agreement with CDR Electronics Co., Inc.
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.
2027 City Budget
The council was scheduled to discuss preparations for the 2027 city budget, which shapes next year's taxes, services, and staffing.
Combined Sewer Control Facility Electrical Construction
The city was set to award three construction contracts totaling roughly $45.5 million for the Combined Sewer Control Facility, part of its Long Term Control Plan to stop combined sewer overflows into the Hudson. A companion bond resolution would amend the project's 2022 financing. This is one of the biggest infrastructure investments on the city's books.
Council Meeting Schedule
Newburgh City Council has a work session Nov. 5 and a regular meeting Nov. 9, both in person at City Hall. It’s your chance to watch local decisions happen or show up and weigh in.
Community Cleanup Initiative
Newburgh is cleaning up West Parmenter Street on October 30. If you live or work nearby, expect a fresher block—and possibly some temporary disruption while crews work.
Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Memorial Project SEQRA Review
The council was asked to designate itself lead agency for environmental review of a memorial at the historic Newburgh Colored Burial Ground. This is a first step in honoring a significant piece of the city's Black history.
cierre de servicios municipales por el Día de las Elecciones
Newburgh City Hall is closed Tuesday, Nov. 3, for Election Day, and only emergency services will be running. If your trash pickup normally falls that day, check the schedule—it may shift. Plan any city business for another day.
Brown's Pond Water Withdrawal Alternatives Analysis
The council was scheduled to consider contracts for water quality testing ($12,824) and algae treatment ($3,691 per treatment) at Browns Pond. This relates to the city's drinking water source protection.
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.
Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Memorial
The council was asked to designate itself lead agency for environmental review of a memorial at the historic Newburgh Colored Burial Ground. This is a first step in honoring a significant piece of the city's Black history.
Water Filtration Plant Filter and SCADA Improvements
The council was scheduled to consider a $7.77 million contract with Gallo Construction Corp. to upgrade filters and the SCADA control system at the city's water filtration plant. It's one of the largest infrastructure investments on the agenda and affects the reliability of the city's drinking water.
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.
County Tax Exemption for Reservoir and Filter Plant Properties
The city was scheduled to request an exemption from county taxes on its reservoir and filter plant properties for 2028, saving the city money on its own utility lands.
Lutheran Street Fire Flow Analysis
A $7,500 Arcadis study would check whether water pipes on Lutheran Street can deliver enough flow for firefighting.
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.
NECSD desk audits
An update on desk audits of Newburgh Enlarged City School District positions, carried forward as old business with email correspondence.
Fire Captain examination scheduling
Five exams were on the calendar: Police Officer agility testing on November 7, plus Senior Clerk, Senior Account Clerk, Principal Account Clerk, and Code Enforcement Officer exams in November and December. These build the hiring pools for city jobs.
Upcoming Civil Service Examinations
The commission certified hiring lists for positions including fire captain, police sergeant, and several clerk roles, and set dates for upcoming exams. These lists determine who can be hired into city jobs over the next two years.
Halloween curfew for minors
A proposed curfew would keep kids 16 and under off city streets from 9 p.m. Halloween night through 6 a.m. Sunday. It's aimed at safety but raises questions for families with older teens at events.
Police technology contracts (Tasers and body cameras)
Three separate deals with Axon Enterprise were on the agenda: Tasers for five years, camera upgrades, and a five-year body camera renewal. Together they represent nearly $1 million in police technology spending.
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.