Southtowns Record

Town Board minutes — April 13, 2026

Government
Town of Aurora
Board
Town Board
Meeting
Apr 13, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Zoning and land use, Energy and data center siting, Water, sewer and drainage, Public safety, Budget and taxes, Roads and traffic, Parks and recreation

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Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | April 13, 2026
The discussion also addressed the difference between assessed value and market
value. It was explained that assessed value is the figure used for taxation and does
not necessarily equal full market value, particularly in a municipality such as Aurora
where the equalization rate is below 100 percent. Mr. Kurtzhalts noted that rising
residential property values have lowered the Town’s equalization rate over time,
which can make assessed values appear out of step with perceived market value.
Using the Roycroft property as an example, they said the previously cited assessment
figures should not be treated as the same thing as market value, and that the sale
price and appraisal indicated the prior perceived value was not accurate.

Mr. Kurtzhalts further clarified that only one of the former Roycroft properties, the
chapel, had been tax-exempt under the Wendt Foundation because of its nonprofit
use, while the other properties remained taxable because they were used for
commercial purposes. They also explained that if the Town had chosen to litigate
rather than settle and the court later reduced the assessment substantially, the Town
could have faced not only refunds but also interest and additional litigation-related
costs. The matter was described as an unpleasant but ordinary cost of doing business,
and officials said the final settlement reflected the indicated market value rather than
favoring either the Town or the property owner.

  Councilmember McCann moved to approve the following budget  Action #135
amendment to rectify a purchase made and received in 2025 but recorded  Budget Amend for
in 2026:  2026 Highway
  purchase aprvd
  • Decrease DB 599 Fund Balance by $338,278.54
  • Increase appropriation line DB 5130.217 by $338,278.54
Councilmember Armbrust seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken:
ayes - four, noes - none. Motion carried.
  Action #136 J.
  Councilmember Wrazen moved to approve training and travel  Armbrust
expenses for Councilmember Armbrust to attend New York Association of  travel/training
Towns Lobbying Day and Finance & Personnel School from May 5-May 7,  expense aprvd
2026 in Albany, NY. Expenses will be disbursed from budget line A1010.404
Legislative Board Travel & Expense:
  • Hotel: (three nights) - $400
  • Lobbying Day - $0 (no cost)
  • Finance & Personnel School Registration - $250
  • Mileage - $414.70
Councilmember McCann seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken:
ayes - three, noes – none, abstention* – one. Motion carried.
*Councilmember Armbrust abstained
  Action #137 TE-9
  Supervisor Snyder moved to approve sending a TE-9 traffic safety study  Luther, Snyder &
request to Erie County Department of Transportation based on a resident  Mitchell speed
petition for Snyder, Luther and Mitchell Roads. Councilmember Armbrust  study request
  aprvd
seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken: ayes - four, noes - none.
Motion carried.

  Councilmember McCann moved to approve an hourly wage increase  Action #138 Hourly
  wage increase for
for grant writer Robbyn Drake from $70/hour to $73.50/hour. This increase will
  grant writer aprvd
pull from the existing allocation for grant writing services. Councilmember
Armbrust seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken: ayes - four, noes -
none. Motion carried.
  Action #139 J.
  Supervisor Snyder moved to appoint Councilmember McCann to the  McCann apptd
vacant Deputy Supervisor seat for the term April 13, 2026 through December  Deputy Supervisor
31, 2026. Councilmember Wrazen seconded the motion. Upon a vote being  4/13-12/31/26
taken: ayes - three, noes – none, abstention – one*. Motion carried.
*Councilmember McCann abstained
  Action #140 M.
  Councilmember Wrazen moved to appoint Michael Raleigh to the  Raleigh apptd
vacant Open Space Committee seat for the term April 13, 2026 through  Open Space Cmte
December 31, 2028. Councilmember Armbrust seconded the motion. Upon a  4/13-12/31/28
vote being taken: ayes - four, noes – none. Motion carried.

  Councilmember Armbrust moved to authorize Supervisor Snyder to sign  Action #141 Sup
the New York State Environmental Facilities 2026 Refunding Bonding  auth’d to sign 2026
  Refunding Bonding
Agreement. Councilmember Wrazen seconded the motion. Upon a vote  Agrmt
being taken: ayes - four, noes - none. Motion carried.

  Councilmember Wrazen moved to authorize Supervisor Snyder and Town  Action #142 Sup &
  TC auth’d to sign
Clerk Viger to sign Bank of Holland Corporate Signer Resolution.  Bank of Holland
Councilmember McCann seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken:  Corp Signer Agrmt
ayes - four, noes - none. Motion carried.
  Action #143
  Councilmember McCann moved to adopt the following resolution;  2026 Open Space
seconded by Councilmember Armbrust:  Plan adopted

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