The Town of Cheektowaga spent much of its meeting discussing the 2026 budgets and options to close budget gaps while preserving services.

Public commenters warned that cuts would damage recreation and senior services. Sandy, who spoke during general comment, said the board had previously "voted down the resolution to have a public hearing on going over the tax cap, effectively silencing residents' taxpayer voices," and raised concerns about cuts to Meals on Wheels, youth programs and pools. Resident Gary Bork asked the board to consider excluding Social Security income from the senior exemption calculation, saying the change is permitted under state law and would help lower‑income seniors.

Councilmembers debated tradeoffs for pools and recreation programs, emphasizing scheduling and revenue consequences if a pool is closed. "When you close a pool, all those services and programs…have to shift to another pool," Councilmember Vernon Thompson said, warning of capacity conflicts. Councilmember Diane Benczkowski disputed claims that swim lessons or hockey salaries were cut, saying she reviewed the budget line‑by‑line and that some proposed wage increases were lowered to 3.25% ‘‘to make it fair to everyone in town.’’

On formal actions, the board considered the preliminary ad valorem budget (read in full with appropriations of $95,525,007.51 and a total tax levy figure read in the packet). After discussion and a roll call, the clerk recorded mixed votes and announced, "Motion is defeated." The roll‑call transcript records members voting as read by the clerk (for example: Benjkowski/ Bukowski recorded as Yes; Filipsky Yes; Polarski No; Thompson Yes; Nowak No). The clerk’s announcement indicates the attempted adoption did not carry as presented.

The board then considered the benefit‑basis budget (appropriations $18,068,003.25; other revenues $536,001.70; appropriated fund balance $3,208.40; total tax levy $14,323,915) and directed the supervisor to spread those charges on the 2026 tax roll. Roll‑call votes were recorded for benefit‑basis and other consent items; the consent agenda subsequently passed by unanimous roll call.

Other budget‑adjacent action included approval of a transfer of funds (Resolution 2025‑750) that included a $32,000 transfer from contingency to a personnel legal line. Several councilmembers urged continued review of fees, property dispositions and the newly adopted hotel‑occupancy tax as revenue levers to avoid cutting core services.

The board closed public hearings and moved to other business and adjourned after routine communications and announcements.