Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues with medium priority
Mayor and Council Salary Increase
A draft law would raise the Mayor's pay to $27,000 and council pay to $24,000/$20,000. Critics say the council shouldn't vote on its own raises before the Charter Review Commission weighs in.
Senior program funding questions
Testimony said the proposed aging programs allocation drops from $36,000 to $7,000 — an 80% cut — with a call for a city Commission on the Elderly and Aging.
Fire Department Security Upgrades
Fire Headquarters' front-door camera and intercom is dead and Engine 3 has had repeated vehicle break-ins. The council approved $6,826.98 to fix both.
Property sale dispute at 30 Benkard Avenue
A resident said his son, a city police officer, was cleared to close on the city-owned 30 Benkard Avenue property, only to learn the city was halting the sale. The mayor promised to look into it.
cierre de servicios municipales por el Día de las Elecciones
Newburgh City Hall is closed Tuesday, Nov. 3, for Election Day, and only emergency services will be running. If your trash pickup normally falls that day, check the schedule—it may shift. Plan any city business for another day.
City Club property disposition
Mayor Harvey said the winning developer of the dilapidated City Club property declined the award over a year ago, leaving the building vacant and other bidders frustrated; he asked staff and the council to revisit it.
Lutheran Street Fire Flow Analysis
A $7,500 Arcadis study would check whether water pipes on Lutheran Street can deliver enough flow for firefighting.
June 2026 personnel report
The commission accepted the monthly personnel report covering retirements and promotions in city employment covered by civil service.
Upcoming Civil Service Examinations
Exams for clerk, custodian, and account clerk positions run from August through November, plus police officer agility testing on August 8. These are the entry points for anyone seeking city employment.
NECSD desk audits
The school district wants the Commission to audit the duties and pay grades of Teacher Aide, Data Processing Clerk, and Microcomputer Electronics Technician positions. The results affect how those jobs are classified and what candidates need to qualify.
Security cameras at the Recreation Department
The council approved four cameras at the rec department over objections that they invade privacy for staff and families registering for programs, and possibly violate labor laws. Corporation Counsel said the cameras are covered by the union contract and don't violate the Taylor Law or privacy rights.