2027 Budget Planning and Upcoming Workshops
This past week, I participated in county-level budget meetings as work begins crafting the 2027 budget for Essex County. At the town level, the Town of Jay will host our own budget workshops on Tuesday, October 13th, and Thursday, October 15th, at 7:00 pm.
Preparing this coming year’s budget presents significant financial challenges. Like households across our region, the town is facing dramatic cost increases across nearly every sector: electricity prices are doubling, fuel oil and diesel costs are at their highest levels in years, and both medical and liability insurance premiums are seeing double-digit increases. At the same time, to retain our dedicated town workforce and remain competitive with neighboring communities, we must adjust wages to keep pace with market standards.
These workshops are an essential step as we carefully evaluate every line item to balance these rising expenses with our commitment to fiscal responsibility. Community members are welcome to attend as we work through these challenges and build a budget for 2027.
STR Task Force Holds Inaugural Meeting
On Tuesday, September 29th, the Town of Jay Short-Term Rental (STR) Task Force held its first meeting to begin developing a balanced approach that supports our local economy while protecting housing, neighborhood character, and public safety. Data presented showed roughly 240 active STR listings in Jay, generating county sales tax revenue that directly supports municipal services, including up to $125,000 for our town ambulance district budget.
Recognizing that most neighborhood concerns stem from a small percentage of behavioral issues, the task force is partnering with ROOST and the Jay Hospitality Association to create an educational Best Practices Guide covering trash disposal, quiet hours after 10:00 pm, fire safety, and dark sky lighting. The task force will hold its next hybrid meeting on Tuesday, October 27th, at 12:00 pm. Residents are also encouraged to share feedback on STRs at the Comprehensive Plan Public Open House on Thursday, October 22nd, at the Community Center.
Successful RERC Outdoor Recreation Workshops
Our Town of Jay Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) workshops were a huge success last weekend, bringing together over 40 community members on Friday and 20 participants for Saturday’s hands-on planning session. Residents and regional agency partners collaborated on key priorities, including extending Henry’s Trail, improving river access at the Covered Bridge, developing trails at Four Peaks, creating nature trails in Upper Jay, and exploring an off-road pathway connecting all three hamlets.
A massive thank you to Town Councilor Olivia Dwyer for her outstanding leadership in spearheading our RERC steering committee and organizing this event. Her hard work in bringing these federal and state resources to the Town of Jay is laying the foundation for future grant funding and technical support.
To stay involved, please join our virtual post-workshop Zoom meeting on Wednesday, October 14th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The meeting link is posted on our town calendar on the https://www.townofjayny.gov/jay-town-calendar/
I hope you have a great weekend,
Matt
