City Manager Melendez Presents Proposed Budget for FY 2026
By Stephen E. Lipken
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert convened the November 12th Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, beginning with City Manager Wilfredo Melendez’s presentation of $256 million Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
The proposed tax increase of 2.46% complies with the NYS tax cap legislation. The average homeowner will see an increase of $103, equating to approximately $9 per month.
Proposed Budget continues funding positions in the Police Department that were added during 2025. The City’s infrastructure will be supported with sanitary sewer, storm drain enhancements and continuation of a 10-year Capital Plan. Economic development will progress with Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)-funded projects and Complete Streets.
Union contractual obligations for employee salaries, health insurance and pension increases account for the remainder of rise in expenses included in proposed Budget. These increases will be funded by tax revenue, fees, grant funding and anticipated increases in one-time revenue streams generated from the City’s development program.
Development Commissioner Adam Salgado discussed Proposed Authorization to execute Intermunicipal Agreement with Westchester County regarding funding for City-owned Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Resolution authorizing City Manager to enter into an agreement with INF Associates via existing Sourcewell contract to install Electric Vehicle Charging stations at New Roc Garage; proposed authorization to accept donation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and execute a Site Owner Agreement with Voltpost, Inc.
Regarding Proposed Application for Westchester County Stormwater Management Law Program, Resolution rescinds Resolution No. 2025-164, adopted October 21, 2025 and authorizes City Manager to submit application and documentation for Westchester County Stormwater Management Law (BPL-26) Grant Program relative to the LINC Flood Mitigation Project and commits required revised local match of $16 million.
Proposed authorization to submit Application under the NYS Pro Housing Technical Assistance Program, authorizing City Manager to submit an application to NYS Homes and Community Renewal under 2025 Pro Housing Communities Technical Assistance Program and finally, Proposed Resolution authorizing the acceptance of 10 trees from New York Power Authority under the 2025 Tree Power Program.