ELDRED, NY — Town of Highland officials said the town’s 2018 budget numbers have improved.

Following a budget hearing and an executive session meeting with insurance representatives on October 26, the town board approved a $1,861,733 budget requiring a 1.05% tax increase.

But on November 14, Deputy Supervisor Jim Gutekunst announced that the actual tax increase, after recalculation by the town bookkeeper, would be a maximum of .98%. When new buildings are added into revenues, “we could be down to zero on the town line [of the January tax bill]. I emphasize ‘on the town line,’ Gutekunst said of the joint town and county billing.

Also speaking of the budget, Supervisor Jeff Haas bashfully admitted that he enjoyed the process. “That’s probably a little weird, but pushing things around and working the numbers… It’s very satisfying when it gets done.”

Gutekunst also lauded Highland’s healthy (6.7%) position in the New York State Comptroller’s office annual statewide summary of fiscal stress among local municipal governments and school districts. On the state’s zero to 100 scale, any score below 45% is rated as good.

In other business, Haas said that with formal approval of environmental assessment forms, on the board’s agenda that evening, all the state approval and grant application paperwork has been submitted and Highland is ready to begin construction on the new Route 55 Highway Department barn as soon the paperwork returns.

The board also approved MVP Health Care as the town’s new health insurance provider.

Haas presented certificates of appreciation to resident Scouts Awinita and Jeremiah Stasilli and Brian Sherwood. Awinita created and erected two highway “Welcome to Highland” signs, Jeremiah installed a bench and landscape pavers outside St. Anthony’s RC Church, and Brian restored and repainted the bald eagle sculpture at Eldred’s four corners.

The board also noted the scheduled November 21 dedication ceremonies, which will formally rename the town’s senior center in honor of former resident Shirley Reuter, who was largely responsible for developing and shepherding the project.

Questioned by resident Nancy Esposito about Highland’s system for citizen notification during emergencies, Haas said the town has an emergency management plan in place, relies on local emergency services and makes notifications “door to door,” when necessary.

The board also accepted the resignation of code enforcement officer Dave Kuebler. Haas said Kuebler, a Jeffersonville resident, had decided to sell his property here and move south. Applications for the position are available at the town clerk’s office. Haas said he hoped to fill the position as soon as possible and get the new candidate certified.