WEBSTER’S PROPOSED 2026 BUDGET ENHANCES SERVICES, SUPPORTS ECONOMIC VITALITY, AND PROTECTS TAXPAYERS
Preliminary budget features infrastructure investments, economic opportunity, quality-of-life services;
Town of Webster prioritizes and protects taxpayers through responsible budgeting
Webster, NY – A resolution to adopt the 2026 tentative budget for the Town of Webster, making it the preliminary budget, was approved at the September 4 Webster Town Board meeting.
This adoption comes after months of budget-related preparations led by Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty and Webster Director of Finance Paul Adams, who commenced the annual budget process in April. Webster department heads presented their proposed department budgets to the Webster Town Board at workshops held on July 31 and August 7. The budget is subject to a public hearing in October prior to final approval.
The preliminary 2026 budget represents Webster’s ongoing dedication to keeping Webster where life is worth living. The proposed budget includes investments in infrastructure, groundwork for continued economic opportunity, and enhanced quality-of-life services. The preliminary budget also protects taxpayers by staying below the New York State tax cap and maintaining a reasonably stable tax rate over the past seven budget years.
“The Town of Webster remains dedicated to serving residents,” said Flaherty. “The 2026 budget renews our commitment to investing in infrastructure, providing ample opportunity for economic progress, and enhancing the quality-of-life services and programs in Webster. Taxpayers can be assured that the Town of Webster is continuing our tradition of responsible budgeting by keeping this year’s budget below the New York State tax cap and budgeting with the future of our community in mind.”
Investments in infrastructure
Appropriate investments in infrastructure equate to long-term cost savings. The 2026 budget contains significant investments in our Town in maintenance and modernization of Webster’s sewer infrastructure, provisions for equipment to maintain town roads, and technological infrastructure to improve the Town’s accessibility and reach.
Continued economic opportunity
The 2026 preliminary budget supports economic growth, investments in the Webster community, and an environment where residents and taxpayers can thrive. This budget continues to support the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s transformation into a Water Resource Recovery Facility. The Town of Webster also continues its focus on revitalization of the West Webster Hamlet and updating the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the Town of Webster is proud to partner with community organizations like Webster Economic Development Alliance and Webster Chamber of Commerce.
The Town of Webster proudly fosters a community that attracts businesses, strategic economic progress, and good-paying job opportunities for residents. Nurturing economic opportunities makes the Town of Webster an attractive location for businesses like fairlife® and McAlpin Industries to invest in our community and grow.
Delivery of quality-of-life services
The Town of Webster remains committed to delivering high-quality services to the community, as reflected in the 2026 preliminary budget. This budget supports public safety through Webster’s highly trained police department, recreation programming, library services, and the maintenance and improvement of Webster’s town parks.
Funding for popular services, including fall leaf collection and spring mulch and wood chip delivery and pick up, continues to be funded in the 2026 budget. These enhanced services and programs make the Town of Webster a sought-after place to live, work, and raise families.
Protecting taxpayers
The 2026 budget continues the Town of Webster’s tradition of responsible budgeting. Over the past several months, the Town of Webster has worked diligently to build a budget that protects taxpayers while providing the services our community has come to expect. This budget remains under the New York State tax cap and maintains the relatively stable tax rate taxpayers have seen across the past six budget years. A focus on responsible budgeting has allowed the 2026 budget to be fiscally sound despite persistent inflation and increased debt related to various major capital projects.
The budget also includes an investment of $400,000 into the Sewer Capital Reserve to support future sewer plant repairs and asset renewal. Investments in infrastructure in 2026 not only bolster the delivery of services to the Webster community but also save taxpayers money in the long run by ensuring projects are completed cost-effectively.
The preliminary budget is subject to a public hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for October 16. Consideration of the adoption of the 2026 final budget will take place in late October or early November.
An electronic copy of the preliminary budget is available on the Town’s website.
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