Supervisor Leenhouts announces that the development process for the 2026 budget is already moving forward with planning well underway

Penfield, New York – Here’s a full-length draft of your requested article, written in a natural, human-like style with high perplexity and burstiness, around 750 words:

The Town of Penfield is already looking ahead to the future as work begins on the 2026 budget. Although the calendar still reads late summer, the process of building a financial plan that will guide services, investments, and priorities for the coming year is in full swing.

Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts emphasized that budgeting is one of the most critical responsibilities of the Town Board, and the planning phase begins well before most residents are thinking about the year to come. “One of the most important roles the Town Board is tasked with annually is the development of the budget. While the calendar may only say August, the budget planning process is well underway as we begin preparing for 2026,” he noted.

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The supervisor said that the guiding principle for the budget process is a balance between fiscal discipline and improving the lives of residents. Town leaders are focused on stretching tax dollars efficiently while still maintaining and enhancing the services that people depend on every day. Rising costs are a challenge for households and governments alike, making careful planning more important than ever.

Town officials have highlighted several major themes that will shape the 2026 budget. These priorities range from infrastructure to recreation and public safety, all with the goal of strengthening the Penfield community.

Building for the future: Investments in long-term facilities remain a central focus. Ongoing projects include the new Department of Public Works facility and restoration work at the historic Alpheus Clark House. Leaders also want to ensure that resources are set aside for future improvements to town-owned buildings and infrastructure.

Connecting our community: As the Town’s Active Transportation Plan moves forward, efforts are being made to increase accessibility through multi-modal transportation options. Sidewalks, trails, and bike paths are all part of the broader vision of making Penfield safer and easier to navigate without depending solely on cars.

Bolstering recreation opportunities for all: Parks and recreation programs are vital community assets, and the 2026 budget is expected to build on existing successes. Plans call for expanding capacity in popular programs, adding new offerings, and making sure that opportunities are available for residents of all ages and abilities.

Continuing commitment to public safety: Emergency services remain a non-negotiable priority. The budget will continue funding for Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance, ensuring that the community has access to life-saving EMS services. At the same time, partnerships with law enforcement will be further supported, and additional resources will go toward strengthening the town’s overall public safety network.

According to Leenhouts, these four focus areas are about more than just dollars and cents. They represent a vision for a town that is not only more efficient in its operations but also more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all residents.

Much of the work for the 2026 budget has already taken place quietly over the summer. Department heads conducted reviews of their operations early in the season, identifying anticipated needs and areas where improvements or adjustments are required. In June and July, Supervisor Leenhouts and the Town Comptroller met extensively with departments to evaluate those needs and begin assembling the framework for the new budget.

Now, with that groundwork completed, the Town Board is reviewing the data and recommendations. This step is crucial because it allows board members to assess priorities and determine how limited resources should be allocated.

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Residents will have several opportunities in the coming months to follow the process and provide input. A tentative budget is expected to be presented to the Town Board on Wednesday, September 3. Following that, a public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1. This meeting will allow residents to speak directly about the budget and ensure their voices are included in the discussion.

The final vote on the 2026 budget is expected to take place on Wednesday, October 29. Once adopted, the budget will set the financial course for the year ahead, determining everything from facility upgrades to recreation programs to public safety funding.

Supervisor Leenhouts stressed that the budget process is not something that happens in isolation at Town Hall. “The budget development process is a collaborative one. As a taxpayer, you need to be involved and make your voice heard. I am eager to work with our Town Board and our residents to develop a budget that sets the stage for the continued success of our community,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to attend the October public hearing, ask questions, and share feedback before the final vote. The supervisor also noted that the town’s website will provide ongoing updates, offering residents another way to stay engaged throughout the process.

The months of planning, review, and discussion that go into the annual budget may not always attract attention, but the results have a lasting impact on daily life in Penfield. From the safety of emergency services to the availability of recreation programs and the upkeep of roads and trails, the budget touches nearly every aspect of community life.

Supervisor Leenhouts closed his update by assuring residents that their concerns and priorities are central to the process. “Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. See you around,” he said.

With a focus on fiscal responsibility and community improvement, town leaders hope that the 2026 budget will reflect both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead.