LITTLE FALLS, NY – With unanimous votes at Monday’s Common Council meeting, leaders approved three new local laws tackling illegal housing conversions, backyard poultry and livestock rules, and reversing the change to a fiscal year.
The council also greenlit public hearings on overriding the state tax cap and establishing a garbage collection user fee for residential dwelling units.
Mayor Deborah Kaufman highlighted a solid financial position with nearly $3 million in operating cash plus $900,000 in reserves, but warned of steep cost hikes: pension rates jumping to 16.5% and 33.7% of payroll, workers’ comp up 25%, and health insurance rising 11–21%. A draft budget is under state review, with a public hearing and vote eyed for early December.
Downtown momentum continues with two new businesses opening this week – Array of Light (bioenergetic wellness) and Timeless Floral Designs – part of 12 new ventures in 2025.
A Nov. 13 DRI forum will gather input on Main Street canopies and diagonal parking.
Tuesday’s election features 12 candidates for 8 council seats, plus races for clerk and treasurer, and a referendum on appointing the treasurer.
Watch the full meeting – including public comments and engineer updates – now on YouTube, or view it below.