The Pomfret Town Board has approved a 2026 budget with a property tax hike of 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed property.

The hike results in a raise of 3.84% over 2025 taxes for Pomfret residents living in the village of Fredonia. For people living in the town but outside the village, it works out to 1.95%.

Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos blamed several things for the tax hike when the budget was approved at the Pomfret Town Board’s regular November meeting.

“We have increases in special district charges,” he said, apparently referring to the town’s long-running water infrastructure project.

Pacos added that the Lily Dale Fire Department sought and received more money in its new contract with the town.

The town board also scheduled its 2026 reorganization meeting for Jan. 14 at 5:30. Pacos said all board members must be sworn in beforehand, but that the oaths don’t necessarily have to happen during the meeting.

Town Attorney Jeffrey Passafaro offered to swear in the board. “Give us a date you want to do it and we’ll just tell everyone to be here,” Pacos said to him.

Kathleen Dennison and Michael Lee ran unopposed for two board seats. Lee is currently on the board, while Dennison is a newcomer.

They will join Pacos and Adam Rak on the new town board for 2026. The fifth seat was formerly held by Ann Eckman, who resigned and moved away in September. Pacos, who ran unopposed for re-election as town supervisor, sought to delay filling her seat until after Election Day.