Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in taxes budget with high priority
2027 Department Budget Presentations
DPW is proposing about $7.9 million for 2027 — roughly 2.5% below 2026 — but is asking for unfunded positions including an electrician, motor equipment operators, laborers and help for the building maintenance division, which is currently a one-man operation. Council also discussed parking meter removal as the pay-by-plate kiosk system arrives.
Rising police and fire retirement costs
Police and fire retirement costs have more than doubled from $2.34 million in 2020 to $4.87 million in 2026, and are projected to top $5 million in 2027 — one of the biggest pressures driving the tax increase.
Proposed Transfer Tax
The city wants to start using transfer tax money — currently locked to firehouse debt — for police and fire expenses once the debt is on a path to payoff. With retirement costs and ALS expenses rising, this could be a big shift in how emergency services get funded.