Sarah Trafton is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Catskill Town Board has adopted a $6.8 million budget for 2019, reflecting a tax levy increase of slightly more than one-quarter of 1 percent. The spending plan is an increase of $400,000, attributed largely to the town's $9 million sewer project. Jefferson Heights and Leeds residents will pay for the increase, but the overall budget reflects the expenditure. The board approved the budget pending two revisions, including the amount for the Kiskatom Fire Department and the total assessed value of the town. The board also approved a waiver of the state-mandated tax cap, to be applied if necessary. During the public hearing, local realtor Angela Lanuto, and Conor Gillis, a representative of the state Association of Realtors, spoke against the waiver. “I think this waiver will hurt homeowners,” Lanuto said. Lanuto suggested the town look into raising taxes for box stores or incorporating the village to compensate for the budget needs. The small increase in the levy is to make up for a $177,000 gap caused by the sewer project, Town Supervisor Doreen Davis said. “I think you would consider the sewer service a plus for homeowners,” she said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.