Summary
The Empire Village Council met on February 24, 2026, holding public hearings on water rates, the FY 2026-27 Schedule of Fees, and the FY 2026-27 Budget, followed by a regular meeting. The Council adopted Resolution No. 3 (Water Rates), Resolution No. 4 (Act 152 Health Care Certification with Hard Cap option), Resolution No. 5 (FY 2026-27 Budget), and the 2026-27 Schedule of Fees. It also approved a healthcare policy change adding family coverage, a $3,500 Gosling-Czubak contract for road project oversight, replacement water meters, ZBA reappointments, and most Chamber of Commerce road closure requests.
Public Comments
During the FY 2026-27 Budget hearing, Karen Baja raised concerns about the Zoning Administrator's salary and lack of enforcement, DPW wages and organization, and staffing for sidewalk snow removal. During public comments on agenda items, Baja also asked about a pending attorney inquiry on Right to Farm; Davis responded that no response had been received yet and he would follow up. No further public comments were made later in the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Bacon requested that the Parks Committee review the Beach Ordinance. There was also discussion of enforcement responsibilities between the Zoning Administrator and Beach Ambassadors regarding the 2026-27 Schedule of Fees.
Infrastructure Projects
Council approved Resolution No. 3 of 2026 setting water rates, with discussion of differences between Ready to Serve and Water Usage rates for business versus residential customers, and consideration of future repair/replacement costs; the vote passed with Skrocki opposed. Council approved a $3,500 contract with Gosling-Czubak for administrative oversight of the Union/Wilce alley crushing and paving project and the Union St. HMA overlay from Niagara to Salisbury (unanimous). Council approved replacement of 7 water meters, with discussion of possible vendor reimbursement for defective meters and a suggestion that meter age be included in future requests; this passed with Bacon opposed. Rademacher noted water rates were based on a Gosling-Czubak Water Study and that the Water Fund must remain self-supporting. DPW reported dealing with frozen water lines, with water and heat provided to affected residents and bills to be adjusted accordingly.
Other Business
Council reappointed Dave Diller (unanimous), Sam Barr (Skrocki opposed), and Bob Scott (unanimous) to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Council approved most 2026 road closure requests from the Empire Chamber of Commerce, except limiting the Front St. closure to Union-to-LaRue for the Asparagus Festival. Bacon asked about an incident report for damage to the DPW building's 3rd bay door; Davis said DPW has been asked to complete the report, with repairs being planned.
Financial Summary
The healthcare policy change adding family coverage was estimated to cost about $600/month, within this year's cap. Act 152 certification reviewed current and prior year health costs totaling $50K+; a voluntary employee payroll contribution was authorized for costs exceeding the cap. The FY 2026-27 Budget added a $25K General Fund contribution to Local Streets; Bacon noted increased state funding for neighborhood roads of $24K this year, expected to grow. The Gosling-Czubak contract was set at $3,500.
Action Items
Davis will follow up with the attorney on the Right to Farm question raised by Karen Baja. DPW will complete an incident report on the damaged 3rd bay door. The Clerk will discuss voluntary healthcare payroll deductions with employees. The Parks Committee will review the Beach Ordinance, and the Water Committee will review water rates, per Bacon's request. Walton noted Personnel is still accepting applications for an open position and will publicize it.