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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wappinger, NY — After months of detailed analysis, public discussion, and careful deliberation, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini, Senior Councilman William H. Beale, Councilwoman Angela Bettina, Councilman Christopher Phillips, and Councilman Al Casella have unanimously adopted the 2026 Town of Wappinger Final Budget. The newly approved financial plan is both sound and balanced, continuing the Town’s strong record of fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, and long-term planning. For the second consecutive year, the Town has delivered a budget under the New York State Tax Levy Cap while also lowering the tax rate for residents.

“Accountability has been at the heart of this administration from day one,” said Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini. “The 2026 Final Budget reflects that commitment. It is responsible, realistic, and forward-thinking and it reduces the tax rate for our residents while continuing to invest in Wappinger’s future.”

Senior Councilman William H. Beale, who represents the First Ward, noted, “The Town Board again worked collectively to create a town spending plan that delivers on expanded town services, programs and improved infrastructure, while protecting taxpayers through fiscal accountability.”

A Responsible, Disciplined, and Accurate Financial Plan

The 2026 budget builds upon the success of the adopted 2025 plan, which proved accurate, dependable, and delivered meaningful tax relief. This year’s process continued that disciplined approach, focusing on realistic forecasting, strategic capital investments, and long-term financial sustainability. Supervisor Cavaccini noted that the Town’s financial condition is strong, supported by new internal procedures implemented during his first term to improve transparency and fiscal accuracy.

“This Administration has undertaken the largest public works initiative Wappinger has seen in decades,” Cavaccini said. “We have modernized our parks, added new public facilities, improved water and sewer infrastructure, strengthened our Highway Department, and enhanced public safety—all while maintaining affordability for residents.”

Innovative Revenue Strategies Reduce Property Tax Burden

To further protect taxpayers, the Town has continued to develop innovative, alternative revenue sources. Key initiatives include:
• Opening the Chapel at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park and the live performance stage at Brexel–Schlathaus Park as event venues
• Purchasing a roll-off truck for the Recycle Center, eliminating what had been a more than $300,000 annual operating deficit
• Continuing Administration’s work of diversifying Town funds into high-interest-earning financial institutions

As a result, only $9,216,325.16 of the $21,359,768.06 total budget will be levied on property taxpayers—substantially lowering the amount paid directly by residents.

Third Ward Councilman Christopher Phillips said, “I am very proud of working with my fellow board members. As a team we sat down, looked at the department needs and what is right for the tax payers. I feel the board did a fantastic job with creating a budget that will continue funding the many projects that the Town has been working on and keep quality government to serve the residents. This was a total board effort and it was great to see the input from everyone.”

Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella stated, “This budget is a roadmap of our priorities, our values, and our vision for the future of the Town of Wappinger. We have delivered on a reduction of the tax cap rate to 1.82% for the 2026 fiscal year. This tax rate is down from last year’s 1.86% and it is the 5th yr in a row we are below the NYS Tax Cap of 2%. I appreciate all the hard work and effort of the board and our comptroller. We don’t always agree on everything, but work together and compromise. We strive to do what’s in the best interest of our residents and I believe this budget does that.”

Tax Rate Decreases Across the Board

The approved 2026 budget remains well beneath the NYS Tax Cap with a levy increase of just 1.82%. Despite rising costs for utilities, insurance, materials, and contractual obligations, the Town has achieved tax rate decreases for all categories:
• Town-Outside Village Homestead:
$1.48 per $1,000 of assessed value
• Village Homestead:
$0.62 per $1,000 of assessed value

• Town-Outside Village Non-Homestead:
$2.89 per $1,000 of assessed value

• Town Inside Village Non-Homestead:
$1.21 per $1,000 of assessed value

These reductions reinforce Wappinger’s position as the most affordable town in Dutchess County.

“It’s important to remember that only eight cents of every property tax dollar goes to the Town of Wappinger,” Cavaccini said. “We take that responsibility seriously, and we work hard to make every dollar count. Fiscal responsibility equals affordability.”

Expanded Services and Major Initiatives in 2026

Even while lowering the tax rate, the Town is expanding key services and launching new community enhancements, including:
• A new online building permits system through the Code Enforcement Office

• Real-time water usage monitoring via cellular meter-reading technology in the United Wappinger Water District

• Short-term rental management software to assist Code Enforcement

• A 28% increase in funding for Senior enrichment programming

• Additional capital improvements to Town-owned facilities

• A five-year capital asset plan for the Buildings & Grounds Department

• Continued investment in targeted law enforcement patrols

• Paving of 7 miles of Town roads in 2026

• Funding to support Wappinger’s role in the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration

A Collaborative and Transparent Process

Supervisor Cavaccini expressed gratitude for the teamwork and professionalism that shaped the 2026 budget.

“My heartfelt thanks go out to Town Comptroller Daniel Tucker, our Department Heads, and our dedicated Town staff for their collaboration and diligence,” he said. “I also thank my colleagues on the Town Board for their thoughtful consideration of the needs of our residents and our government. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Wappinger.”

The 2026 Final Budget is available here

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