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County to Increase Trailway Security
Following a reported physical assault of a woman that took place last week on the Putnam County Trailway in Carmel, County Executive Kevin Byrne has issued an executive order directing immediate measures to improve safety and security across the county’s trail system and other public spaces, and “reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law.” On Oct. 19, the Carmel Police Department – along with Kent police and sheriff’s deputies – responde
Oct 27, 20253 min read
Kent Overrides Tax Cap For 2026
By Holly Crocco The Kent Town Board on Oct. 21 passed a resolution to override the state-mandated 2 percent property tax cap for 2026, as it continues to whittle down a tentative $19.2 million spending plan. According to Director of Finance Cristina Cahill, after deducting about $4.2 million in revenue, the tax levy comes out to about $15 million – up from the $13.4 million tax levy for 2025. “Why such a big increase, is the typical costs,” she explained at the board meeting.
Oct 27, 20252 min read
Southeast Debates New Building Dept. Position
By Holly Crocco The Southeast Town Board it trying to chip away at the tentative proposed 2026 budget that was introduced by Supervisor Nick Durante in September and would raise the tax levy by 10.95 percent. “I do think percentages are hard to sometimes accept,” Durante said at the Oct. 9 town board meeting. “What I’d like to speak to is the dollar amount.” He explained that the 10.95 percent increase would equate to about $50 in taxes more next year for the average househol
Oct 22, 20253 min read
Southeast Facing 2026 Tax Levy Hike
By Holly Crocco During a Sept. 29 special meeting of the Southeast Town Board, Supervisor Nick Durante took some heat for presenting a tentative budget that raises the tax levy by almost 11 percent – blowing the state-mandated property tax cap of 4.23 percent for the town out of the water, and adding about $50 more in taxes per household. “You’re proposing a 10.9 percent tax levy increase, which I’m honestly kind of stunned by,” said Councilman Eric Cyprus. “You started off b
Oct 14, 20253 min read


Byrne Proposes Lowest Property Tax Rate Since ’07
County Executive Kevin Byrne, Acting Sheriff Brian Hess, and family of the late Sheriff Kevin McConville unveil a rendering of the...
Oct 6, 20255 min read
Carmel Presents Tax Rate Decrease
By Holly Crocco Carmel Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari and Comptroller Mary Ann Maxwell presented a $36.3 million tentative budget during...
Oct 6, 20254 min read


County Sales Tax Sharing Begins Dec. 1
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne is joined by town and village leaders, as well as state representatives at last week's press...
Sep 29, 20253 min read
Putnam Calls for Local Hearings on NYSEG Rate Hikes
Regional officials joined together Sept. 22 to demand that the New York State Public Service Commission hold an in-person public hearing...
Sep 29, 20254 min read
Patterson Considers 3.74% Spending Increase in 2026
By Holly Crocco Patterson Town Supervisor Richard Williams is proposing a $16.5 million budget for 2026, which represents a 3.74 percent...
Sep 22, 20252 min read
Southeast Considers Regulating Solar Energy Systems
By Holly Crocco The Town of Southeast is considering amending local law to encourage residents and businesses to employ the use of solar...
Sep 22, 20254 min read


eriff Hess & Undersheriff Menton Take the Reigns
Acting Sheriff Brian Hess will run for election in November. Undersheriff James Menton is sworn into office on the steps of the Historic...
Sep 9, 20252 min read
Southeast Considers New Rental Rules; Revisits Maple Road Discussion
By Rob Sample Rental housing – particularly short-term rentals – has become a hot topic among municipalities of all sizes. On Aug. 21,...
Sep 1, 20254 min read
Big Geyser Gets the Final OK in Southeast
By Holly Crocco Final site plan approval was recently granted to Big Geyser, Inc., to redevelop a 6.4-acre property on Sutton Place in...
Sep 1, 20254 min read
Change at the Helm In Finance Dept.
By Holly Crocco A familiar face has returned to Putnam County, with Bill Carlin coming out of retirement to return to his role as...
Aug 11, 20252 min read


Historic Whipple-Feeley Chapel Rededicated at Veterans Park
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne addresses the crowd gathered for the rededication the Whipple-Feeley Putnam County Veterans Memorial...
Aug 4, 20253 min read
Putnam Chosen to Pilot LOSS Team
By Holly Crocco Putnam is one of only four counties in New York State whose Suicide Prevention Task Force was selected to receive funding...
Jul 28, 20253 min read


Putnam Opens New Fire Training Center for First Responders
Officials cut the ribbon to officially open the new, state-of-the-art Lt. Michael Neuner Fire & EMS Training Center in Kent. The brand...
Jul 21, 20253 min read
County OKs Early Learning Center
By Holly Crocco The Putnam County Legislature has unanimously approved an initiative to develop an early learning center and enter into a...
Jun 16, 20254 min read
Legislators Updated on Development Initiatives
By Rob Sample A luxury boutique-style hotel complex and a senior housing development are the most promising projects under way in Putnam...
Jun 2, 20253 min read
Southeast Mulls Renovating Town Hall vs. Moving
By Holly Crocco The Southeast Town Board recently revisited a conversation about relocating town hall, versus renovating it. “This...
Jun 2, 20253 min read
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