“It was clear they’re exploring options and looking for ways to ease Tax Levy pressure”
A OPINION by Joe Cafarella, Urbana NY
I attended my second Town of Urbana board meeting last night & wanted to share a brief update for anyone who couldn’t be there.
At the January meeting, during a much more chaotic moment, the council noted that typical attendance is usually between 5 and 20 people & most residents tend to show up only once an issue has already reached a boiling point. That stuck with me, so I made it a point to keep attending, hoping others might do the same.
Attendance dropped from roughly 100 people in January (about 5% of our town’s ~2,125 residents) to around 25 people last night — roughly 1% participation, including in-person & Zoom live stream.
I understand we’re a seasonal community & many residents head south in the winter, but they’re still residents & decisions made now affect all of us. Zoom attendance is available & does count, even if you can’t be here physically.
Last night’s meeting itself was informative & constructive. The board covered senior exemptions, short-term rental caps, pier bids, boat launch rules & pricing, environmental planning RFQs & infrastructure costs.
It was clear they’re exploring options and looking for ways to ease Tax Levy pressure where possible before any votes take place.
January showed strong community engagement. This phase matters just as much. This is when questions get answered, alternatives are discussed & outcomes are shaped.
Staying informed & showing up, even virtually helps keep the process transparent & accountable.
For anyone who wants better visibility, the town offers text alerts for meetings & updates. You can opt in by texting URBANA to 91896.
