Jewett advances 2026 preliminary budget after brief public question on short-term rental fees

The Jewett town board opened a public hearing on the 2026 preliminary budget and heard a question from a resident about where short-term rental registration fees appear in the budget. The resident asked whether those fees are recorded separately or included with other building/zoning revenue; board members said the fees are included with building and zoning fees and estimated the town’s active short-term rentals are likely closer to 100 rather than the few hundred the resident observed on listing sites.

After public comment, S7 moved and S5 seconded to advance the preliminary 2026 budget to final status; a roll-call vote was recorded with "all ayes" and the motion passed. The board therefore advanced the budget for final consideration and instruction to the clerk for next steps.