Fredonia’s proposed tax increase is at 5.85%, and a plan to reconfigure building inspections is dropped.

Mayor Michael Ferguson reported the latest changes at a pair of Board of Trustees public hearings Wednesday. There was a hearing on the village’s intent to go over the state-mandated 3% tax hike cap, and another one on the budget itself.

In Ferguson’s original proposed budget, the Fredonia Fire Department would have taken oversight of village building inspections. The mayor said dropping that plan eliminates the need for a new firefighter, which helped get the tax hike down to 5.85%.

Trustees are set to vote on the budget Monday.

Former Trustee James Lynden criticized the spending plan during both hearings. He asked the current trustees to stay below the tax cap, stating that there is still more room for cuts.

“There was wage increases that went beyond reasonable cost of living increases,” Lynden said. “There is ample time for you to move forward and find more cuts. You have on or until May 1 to pass the budget.”

Lynden also questioned why the latest cuts were made in secrecy. He noted they were not brought up in trustees’ public budget meetings, which are taped for YouTube.

Trustee Jon Espersen acknowledged the new cuts were agreed upon in an executive session. “It was a discussion we needed to have in executive session regarding lawsuits.” Espersen said.

Lynden wondered if the trustees violated state Open Meetings Law by discussing the spending of public money in private. According to the law, “no action by formal vote shall be taken to appropriate public moneys” in an executive session. The village would likely argue that since the budget wasn’t approved, no such action was taken.

Each of the hearings had three speakers. Lynden mostly stuck to the “financials.” But the others warned that breaking the tax cap would anger and trouble many residents – and could encourage them to leave.

Julie Tedone said, “My husband and I moved here about eight years ago and we found Fredonia to be a wonderful, welcoming place to live. I would hate to see people just pack up and leave, sell their homes and go someplace more affordable.”