Note from

Supervisor Leenhouts: 2026

budget development process is underway

One of the most important roles the Town Board is tasked with annually is the development of the budget. While the calendar may only say August, the budget planning process is well underway as we begin preparing for 2026.

As we move through the process, we are guided by a commitment to fiscal responsibility and bettering the lives of residents. The budget we develop must efficiently use taxpayer dollars, balance the rising costs that our residents continue to face, and provide the services that our community expects.

Focus areas

As part of the budget process, we will be keying in on several Town initiatives, including: 



• Building for the future: Dedicating necessary resources to ongoing improvement projects such as the new Department of Public Works facility and Alpheus Clark House while planning for future facilities improvements.
• Connecting our community: To align with the ongoing development of the Town of Penfield's Active Transportation Plan, we will focus on better connecting our community through multi-modal transportation options.
• Bolstering recreation opportunities for all: Improving and enhancing recreation opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities in our community, including enhanced programming and the expansion of capacity for existing programming.
• Continuing our commitment to public safety: Much like previous budgets, funding for Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance will continue to ensure access to life-saving EMS services. We’ll continue to strengthen partnerships with our law enforcement partners and provide resources to support the Town of Penfield's public safety efforts.

Through these areas, we will not only improve the Town's operating efficiency, but we will also create a more inclusive Penfield with opportunities for all.

Where things stand

In early summer, our department heads conducted a thorough review of their operations and identified anticipated needs for 2026. Our Town Comptroller and I spent much of June and July meeting with departments to review needs and start crafting a framework for the 2026 budget. 

Right now, the Town Board is reviewing the information compiled over the summer, which will allow us to develop a tentative budget. 

Timeline

The tentative budget is expected to be presented to the Town Board on Wednesday, September 3. After this, a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 1. This will allow the community a chance to speak on the record about the budget. 

Finally, a vote on the 2026 budget by the Town Board is expected to happen on Wednesday, October 29.

We want to hear from you

The budget development process is a collaborative one. As a taxpayer, you need to be involved and make your voice heard. I am eager to work with our Town Board and our residents to develop a budget that sets the stage for the continued success of our community. 

To keep up with the latest information, please visit our www.penfield.org.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.

See you around.

Jeff Leenhouts, Supervisor

Penfield CCA program renewed, public information sessions upcoming

In August, the Penfield Town Board approved the contract renewal of the Community Choice Aggregation program, with Good Energy continuing as the program administrator and Constellation New Energy remaining the energy supplier. 

As part of this renewal, a new fixed rate has been established, which will be effective from December 2025 through the December 2027 billing cycle. 

All CCA program participants are automatically enrolled in the program. In accordance with NY PSC rules, there is an initial 30-day opt-out period, and residents can opt out of the program at any time thereafter without incurring any fees or penalties. If you have previously opted out, no action is required; you will remain opted out. Participants also have the flexibility to opt back into the program at any time. 

The current offer for 50% Green energy is 9.82 cents per kWh for both residential and small commercial customers. The average rate per kWh from RG&E over the past 12 months has been 7.7003 cents for residential customers and 7.7238 cents for small commercial customers. Please note that the RG&E rate is not fixed and fluctuates monthly. 

Participants in the CCA program will continue to receive the same level of utility service, with RG&E remaining responsible for billing and electricity delivery. For information about the program, go to www.penfieldcca.com or call 585-310-0236 

Public information sessions will be held on September 10 at 5 p.m. and October 22 at 5 p.m. Webinars will be held on September 4 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., and October 9 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.