Penn Yan officials are opening a critical public hearing Monday night on a proposed budget that would increase the tax levy while holding overall spending growth to a modest level.
The tentative 2026–27 budget outlines $6.73 million in spending, a roughly 1% increase year-over-year, paired with a 4.57% rise in the tax levy to more than $4.07 million, according to budget documents .
The proposal reflects a tightening financial picture, with estimated revenues declining about 7% and the village relying more heavily on fund balance to close the gap. Officials plan to appropriate more than $363,000 in fund balance, a significant jump from prior years, while navigating rising personnel and benefit costs.
Public safety continues to drive spending growth, with police funding increasing by about 10% and total public safety costs rising to more than $2.16 million. Employee benefits also climb, particularly health insurance, which is projected to increase sharply year-over-year .
Beyond the budget, the board is also set to revisit a previously approved façade improvement project at 18 Main Street. The proposal would authorize up to $15,000 in grant funding for property owner Eugene Berardo, who is reapplying after delays pushed the project beyond the program’s six-month completion window . Supporting documents show construction and storefront improvements tied to the project, which aims to enhance a downtown building ahead of a planned retail opening .
Board members are also expected to act on several administrative and personnel matters, including bank authorization updates, committee appointments, and the resignation of a deputy clerk position. The agenda calls for beginning recruitment to fill that vacancy, signaling a near-term staffing transition inside village operations .
The meeting may also include an executive session tied to personnel matters, as officials continue navigating both financial and operational changes heading into the next fiscal year.
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