Moving forward Town tax payments require exact change

Residents who want to pay their taxes in cash at the Newstead Town Hall will need to do so in exact change moving forward.  Newstead Town Board members voted to require cash tax payments to be made for the exact amount owed only during their April 13 meeting.  The action came so that the Town could continue to accept cash payments for the benefit of residents, regardless of the availability of pennies.

Their resolution noted that whereas the last penny was minted on November 12, 2025 and banks are no longer able to purchase any additional pennies, the Town may no longer be able to obtain pennies from the bank.  That is of particular significance in the collection of taxes as tax bills much be collected exact to the penny without rounding, and the Town of Newstead tax collector may not be able to make change if payment is provided in excess of the amount owed.  The Board found it to be a reasonable solution to require cash tax payments be made for the exact amount.

Also approved at their April 13 meeting, was a resolution approving a change of use application from Angel and Justin Stuber to open and operate Fire & Ice Nutrition at 13025 Main Road in the C-2 zoning district in the Town of Newstead.

Erie County Planning was notified of the Site plan application and responded with no recommendation on March 17.  The Planning Board reviewed and recommended approval on March 9.  No one presented negative comments at the April 13 public hearing on the change of use application.

The Uniform Justice Court Act requires that Town and Village Justices annually provide their court records and dockets to their respective Town and Village Auditing board.  Town Councilmen John Jendrowski and Joseph Dugan reviewed and completed the annual audit checklists after examination of the Town of Newstead Court Record for the year 2025.

They found the Court Records to be maintained in an exceptionally organized and proper manner and that the fines collected have been turned over to the proper officials as required by law, and approved the resolution so stating, forwarding the resolution and checklists to the Director of Internal Audit, NYS Office of Curt Administration.

Board members approved the purchase of a Gradall brand attachment for the excavator for use by the Highway Department due to increased demand for handling brush from Alta Equipment Company at a cost of $13,282.98.

Also supported was the “Read to Lead Initiative” (see April 16 issue); appointment of Daniel Dressel alternate on the Planning Board term ending 12/31/2029; approval of a lateral restriction hardship application, 6399 Dye Rod; and Beer/wine permits for the Cultural Center.

Dave Borchert and Paul Palizay were hired as full-time seasonal help for the highway department.

A building permit report shows permits issued for window at 8161 Greenbush Rd., overhang roof at 6807, deck addition at 5922 Buell St., rear deck at 13227 Stage Rd., lean to at 12087 Buckwheat Rd., Basement remodel at 5130 Havens Rd., a generator at 4218 South Newstead Rd., roof tear off at 11552 Main Rd., windows and siding at 5922 Buell St., demo of 100 year old barn at 13498 Stage Rd., commercial addition a 12600 Clarence Center Rd., pole barn at 11377 Hunts Corners Rd., and shed at 5100 Havens Rd.