# Town Board of New Castle Budget Work Session 10/20/26

The New Castle Town Board held its first 2027 tentative-budget work session on October 20, 2026. Staff described the tentative-budget review process; the document and budget message were to be posted online, with board revisions informing a preliminary budget and a public hearing planned for December 1. No budget, contract, or purchasing approvals were made; the motion taken was to open the work session. Parks and Recreation discussed potential capital projects—including an Ashworth pavilion, Smith Park playground and basketball-court improvements, Amsterdam facility work, and field repairs—described as a project list that could advance if grants become available. Staff noted that similar grants have typically been about $100,000–$150,000, but no grant or project funding was approved. A replacement vehicle was included in department planning, and a senior-services vehicle is expected to be replaced using a Doris Duke Foundation donation.

The board also discussed rising after-school transportation costs: bus charges were reported to increase from $260 to $275 per bus, and staff said the current $20 per-child charge does not cover the estimated cost; no pricing or vendor decision was made. Chappaqua’s first detailed budget projected a net loss of about $139,000, characterized as a conservative estimate and an initial investment in programming, marketing, and facility improvements; bathroom work was discussed as a possible 2027 priority, without an approved expenditure. The town administrator identified a future procurement for a replacement financial management system: staff are preparing a request for quotes and reviewing alternatives, with implementation expected to require a careful, phased transition. The board also reviewed existing flexible allocations, including $15,000 for boards and commissions and $25,000 each for special projects and special events, but took no related spending action.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Sources
- [Town Board of New Castle Budget Work Session 10/20/26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdXFkpgCU1g) - NCCMC