OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Town of Arkwright Supervisor Brian McAvoy is hopeful to deliver another tax reduction to residents of Arkwright with the 2025 budget.

ARKWRIGHT — The Town of Arkwright is hopeful it can lower taxes in next year’s budget.

“My perspective is, I would like to continue to do what we’ve been doing on the tax rate, a slight ratchet down,” Town of Arkwright Supervisor Brian McAvoy said.

With substantial payments from wind turbines benefiting the Town along with sizable reserve fund balances, McAvoy wants to continue the trend of giving back to its residents through necessary infrastructure improvements coupled with lower taxes.

McAvoy stated he would consider a flat rate, but would prefer to lower taxes again this upcoming year.

A budget workshop for the Town Board was scheduled for Monday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m., one week prior to the regular Town Board meeting on Oct. 14. A public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget will be Oct. 14 at 7:45 p.m., during the regular Town Board meeting.

The Town is also evaluating the purchase of a new truck to upgrade its Highway Department fleet. Highway Superintendent Lisa Waldron was authorized to spend up to $90,000 in the event that the amortized cost is $10,000 per year of expected life of the vehicle. If a purchase is secured, the Town will allocate a lower amount of funding for equipment upgrades in the upcoming year to make up the difference.

The Town Board also unanimously approved an updated Senior Citizen Tax Exemption to raise the income limit to $23,000. McAvoy determined that a limit of $23,000 would include every resident currently receiving assistance through the exemption, while also providing “wiggle room” to potentially include a few other residents at the lower end of income in the Town.

“I really feel that we’ve done the right thing here,” McAvoy stated.

A public hearing regarding a Volunteer Firefighter Tax Exemption in the Town will be held at the November monthly meeting of the Town Board, which is set for Nov. 11.

The month of August included three building permits and nine dog licenses in the Town, amounting to $104 turned over to the General Fund. There has been no further activity in recent weeks regarding a solar project inquiry.

McAvoy also stated that the first community-wide “Dumpster Day” event on Sept. 7 was a success. McAvoy offered thanks to Angie’s Cozy Cabins, Lindquist Roofing, and Tops Friendly Markets. The Town is discussing a tire amnesty event in the coming months, but no decision has been made on the matter.