William J. Kemble reports in the Daily Freeman that Saugerties town officials last week approved a $14.21 million 2022 budget carrying a 6.5 percent increase of $867,524 with most of the increase coming from ambulance expenses. The $11.65 million property tax levy means an 8.78 percent increase of $940,000. Resident Susan VanWagenen was not happy that her taxes will go up. “You would have to be living under a rock if you aren’t feeling the financial pinch already, so there’s no need to make a point of how much more we are spending for basics like food and gas,” she said. “Heating fuel is projected to increase this winter by 30 to 55 percent. …We are going to be paying more for everything and most people will not be taking home more pay.” Ambulance service costs are up 65 percent to $1.32 million, mostly to pay for personnel to take on calls when there is the need for a third crew member. Elected officials are getting a raise too, from five percent for the town supervisor and more than four percent for town board members to just over three percent for the two town justices. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.