Delhi Budget Under 2% Tax Cap - New Code Officer Hired

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Following a public hearing, the Delhi Town Council adopted the $3,419,416 2026 budget, which includes special districts. The budget is a total tax levy increase of 3.88% which remains under the state-mandated cap. Roughly $2.2 million will be raised by taxes. The budget represents a total increase of $78,099 over the 2025 budget.

Salaries are set at $12,300, a $361 increase for the supervisor; $3,050. a $90 increase per councilmember; $42,436, a $1,236 increase for superintendent of highways; $30,219, a $880 increase for town justice; and $49,102, a $3,064 increase for the clerk, dog control, and tax collector.

No one spoke at the public hearing.

In another discussion, Zachary Haverly was hired as Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), effective January 1, with a salary of $21,050. Haverly will train for up to three days with the current CEO, Dale Downin, at a rate of $25 per hour before the end of the year. Downin is slated to retire at the end of 2025.

Other Business

The Council agreed to contract with Barton & Loguidice to update the town's comprehensive plan. Boukai was able to reduce the original contract by $10,000, bringing the total to $60,000.

The town was awarded a $47,748 grant through the O'Connor Foundation for a commercial-grade solar pool cover and construction materials for a 20' by 40' pavilion by the town pool. The council is collaborating with SUNY Delhi to enable students to construct the building. Boukai is working to secure three other grant opportunities for the pool project.

Councilmember Christina Viafore is collaborating with SUNY Delhi interns to secure assistance with communications and public awareness initiatives.

NYCLASS interest rates have dropped to 3.9%; however, they remain higher than current CDs, which are at 3.6%, reported Boukai. This was expected to drop.

The organizational meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5, at 5 p.m.

A public hearing regarding potential tax exemptions for veterans is scheduled Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m., directly preceding the regular monthly meeting.