The Seneca Falls Town Board approved the 2025 budget by a 3-2 vote on Nov. 5, reducing expenses, the tax rate and the tax levy.

But board members Dawn Dyson and Kaitlyn Laskoski voted against the $14.98 million budget, citing concerns about the impact of the new Department of Public Works on current city employees and the budget.

Supervisor Frank Schmitter and board members Frank Sinicropi and Jackson Puylara voted in favor.

The budget reduces property tax revenue from $3.84 million to $3.56 million; an 8% reduction in the tax rate, partially offset by a projected 5% decrease in revenue from the Seneca Meadows landfill. The new sales tax revenue, shared by Seneca County, will add $330,000 to the town’s fund.

A 3.25% pay raise is planned for all town employees, including elected officials, and initial labor contract negotiations with the new town employees union are reportedly underway.

FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been informing residents for over two decades. Got a clue? Send it to (email protected).