Croton’s Police Department will be transitioning to new service weapons this year following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees on Wednesday evening. The board approved a $30,409 budget transfer to cover the cost of the new firearms, which had not been included in the 2025-2026 General Fund budget.
To fund the equipment upgrade, the board decreased the village’s contingency expenses by $13,368.90 and increased anticipated State Aid-Other revenues by $17,040.10.
With winter weather on the horizon, the board also unanimously greenlit a snow removal contract with New England Property Maintenance of Mahopac for the upcoming season. The contractor agreed to maintain last year's rates: a $70 minimum charge per property, $0.20 per square foot for snowfalls of four inches or less, and $0.50 per square foot for deeper snow. Property owners are reminded that village code requires sidewalks to be cleared within 12 hours of a snowfall; if not, the village can hire the contractor and bill the homeowner.
In total, the board approved $133,488.67 in voucher payments across the General, Water, Sewer, Capital, and Trust funds. The board also formally accepted a $263.77 donation plus supplies from Spencer Celente for his Eagle Scout service project.
During the non-agenda public comment period, resident Ed Riely of Truesdale Drive questioned why village police officers were directing traffic at Con-Edison construction sites. Village Manager Bryan Healy clarified that utilities request off-duty officers for busy roadwork—currently a gas-main replacement on Batten Road—and that Con-Edison reimburses the village for the service, meaning no local tax dollars are spent.
Trustee reports heavily focused on community support during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Trustee Annemarie Nicholson announced that the Croton Food Pantry will hold an emergency food distribution this Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Name of Mary Church basement. Trustee Karen Politi noted that Croton Caring is also actively assisting impacted families.
Looking ahead, Mayor Pugh invited residents to the Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Corners. Depending on the weather, the event may be moved indoors to Holy Name of Mary Church. Additionally, Trustee Greg Simon announced a free bike skills class will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Village Hall.