Town of Wheatfield Board talks budget, winter preparation

By Madeline Dorobiala

The Town of Wheatfield held its board meeting on Oct. 5. There were discussions about the tentative budget and preparing for the winter months.

Town of Wheatfield budget

The Town of Wheatfield’s Board is discussed the 2027 tentative budget, which was filed in the clerk’s office on Sept. 30. Copies of the budget were also placed in the board members’ mailboxes that same day. There will be a town budget work session at 6 p.m. Oct. 14.

Town Supervisor Don MacSwan spoke about the concerns centered on the inflation rate in the country. He stated that the Town of Wheatfield will provide the same services that were provided in the past.

“However, because our costs of providing these services are increasing, the 2027 tentative budget does include a slight property tax increase of $13.77 from $589.86 in 2026 to $603.63 in 2027 for a typical homeowner in the Town of Wheatfield, with an assessed valuation of $125,000, or a market value of around $380,000,” MacSwan said.

He said the uptick also is connected with the increase in garbage and recycling pickup fees.

Preparation for winter

Highway Department Superintendent Paul Siegmann attended the fall conference for municipal professionals in New York state. He spoke to the Town Board about how some attendees were unhappy about CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) funding.

“They’re looking into doing some kind of reapportionment to make us whole,” Siegmann said. “Right after they started the CHIPS is when we had our big build. So, we doubled the amount of roads we had in the amount of time.”

Siegmann said he is hopeful about next steps because of the amount of people who were concerned about the issue.

Salt prices increased by $14. The superintendent stated subdivisions might not get salted because of it, and potentially only cul-de-sacs.

“I would just make sure we have enough salt to protect us through the winter, and the reason why I’m saying this is the National Weather Service predicted New York state is going to have a very icy winter,” MacSwan said.

The superintendent also mentioned issues with the outflow that goes into Sawyer Creek. He is waiting for the water levels to drop before inspecting.

“We had to order a pipe; we’re going to sleeve the pipe into the outflow pipe. We have to put a new flapper valve on it, because the old one is totally rotted out,” Siegmann said.

The Highway Department will start picking up leaves when there is a sufficient amount in the area.

Hydrants and repairs

Water/Sewer Superintendent Mark Clark said the fire hydrants will start to get pumped, which means they are getting drained.

“So, if anybody uses a hydrant, please let us know so we can have it pumped down before the cold weather does come,” he said. “They’re not self-draining; they’re plugged. So, we go to check every hydrant in town. Firehalls will get a letter shortly as a reminder to give us a call, too.”

There were a couple of water leaks that were successfully repaired and the sewer grinders are getting fixed, as well as the water main valves. To contact the Water/Sewer Department, email water@wheatfield.ny.us.

Greenway Trail issue

The Greenway Trail was a topic of discussion. Board member Larry Helwig stated that there were two holes in the fence with its clipping lying in the grass. He offered the idea of getting the constables and sheriffs to go out and monitor.

Exemption renewals and agricultural exemptions

Assessor Kelli Coughlin said the exemption renewals are getting prepared to be sent out. She is going to start asking for agricultural exemptions to update the map of Niagara County.

“I will be sending the ag exemption renewals out, with a letter asking them what to do, the documentation that I would think,” Coughlin said. “It’s supposed to be done every 10 years, and I’ve been here for eight years and it hasn’t been done. I don’t even have the actual original in my office.”

Town chambers renovation

Town Engineer Timothy Zuber presented a proposal to the board regarding renovations to the Town Hall chambers. The original numbers and design for bidding have been consolidated. Zuber said he hopes renovations will begin during the summer of 2027.

“New flooring and covering, kind of like a railing so it’s not easy to reach back to you guys, but also a place for signing documents and such,” Zuber said. “Reupholstering and refinishing the chairs and ceiling, and new updated light fixtures and things and controls. And I think some additional outlets behind the bench.”

The Town Board will be informed throughout the renovation process.

MacSwan said they should consider costs being affected because of potential asbestos.

Motions and approvals

•The board approved Wendel’s services for the renovation of the council chambers that will take place over the summer.

•There was a public hearing at the last board meeting, which took place Sept. 14. The hearing was about zoning amendments for building additions. The hearing couldn’t advance because the board needed to complete the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process.

At the meeting, the board proposed to adopt a local law. The motion was approved.

Events

•Registration for the boys and girls basketball clinic is open. Youth ages 7 to 12 are welcome to attend the clinic, to be held Nov. 3-Dec. 9. Register at https://www.wheatfield-ny.gov/159/Recreation.

•There will be a Halloween party from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Youth Center.

Halloween hours were approved by the board, and will be 4-8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Participation is not mandatory, but those who choose not to are instructed to turn off their porch lights during trick-or-treat hours.