Chili · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chili public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Preliminary Budget and District Assessments
The board president and director will present the preliminary 2027 budget to the Supervisor and Town Board on September 2 — the funding decision that shapes library services next year.
Senior and Youth Programming Shuttles
The town was scheduled to spend $8,043.50 in federal pandemic-relief money allocated by Monroe County on equipment for senior and youth programs. It's a boost for community programming with no local tax cost.
State-local relationship: AOT Bill of Rights
Chili formally endorsed the Association of Towns' Bill of Rights pushing back on state preemption of local zoning and unfunded mandates.
2027 Chili Public Library budget
The library's 2027 budget request keeps its ask of the town at a conservative 2 percent. Trustees approved it and it heads to a September 2 workshop with the Supervisor and Town Board, who will make final funding decisions.
2025 Financial Audit Results
The town's independent audit came back clean, with a $16 million general fund balance — more than a year of spending — and only about $12 million in debt. That strong position helps keep borrowing rates low for future projects.
Maternity and Parental Leave Policy Adopted
Town employees now have a formal maternity and parental leave policy, adopted after posting without objections since April 7.
Exact-Cash Tax Payments Starting September 2026
Since the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies, the tax office can't always make change. From September 1, 2026, cash tax payments must match your bill exactly.
Town of Excellence Award
Chili was named a 'Town of Excellence' by the NY Association of Towns — the only Monroe County town recognized in the program's first year.
Reserve fund spending for equipment and retirement costs
The board is using money already set aside in reserve accounts — not new borrowing — to buy a $375,000 plow truck, Parks equipment, and to help pay retirement and workers' comp bills. Using the retirement reserve is specifically aimed at softening the tax burden.
Records access and information security officer roles
Supervisor Dunning asked how the records access and information security officer positions work. Town Clerk Virginia Ignatowski explained the records management role is required of the clerk by state law and long-standing practice, and the information security role must be independent of the IT department.
2026 Town Board and Committee Appointments
The board set up all its volunteer boards and committees for 2026 and the supervisor announced liaison and staff appointments. The supervisor noted there are openings on boards and committees for residents who want to serve.