Huntington residents decry 18% tax increase in proposed budget

Try again. That was the resounding message from about a dozen residents to the Huntington Town Board at a public hearing on the proposed 2027 operating budget that calls for an 18% property tax hike.

Town officials last month unveiled a $269.7 million tentative budget for 2027 that would raise taxes by about that much. Under the proposed budget, which pierces the allowable tax cap of 2.68%, there would be no cuts in services. The capital budget is $17.425 million.

Residents sounded off at Thursday's meeting at Town Hall, which combined public hearings for the preliminary operating and capital budgets.

Those opposed to the tax cap-busting increase said the board should do more to find savings, including by using reserves, getting an outside audit, and if necessary, giving back part of their wages. They also suggested the board reconsider the amount of time an elected or appointed official has to serve in order to qualify for retirement health benefits, which was reduced last year.

Luccas Krasinski, a Huntington resident and business owner, said there is a multimillion-dollar gap between the state's allowable 2.68% tax cap and the 18% the board is seeking. He noted Town Supervisor Ed Smyth has said there is "almost no mathematical way" to avoid piercing the cap that's not devastating the town.

"But 'almost' leaves some room," Krasinski said in asking the board to reexamine the math.

Before the hearings, there was a presentation by town Comptroller Jonas Wagner, which was followed by video presentations by town department heads, including those overseeing public safety, parks and recreation, community development, maritime and highway.

Each presentation outlined what the respective department provides as well as the dire consequences of approving a budget that doesn't pierce the cap, including staff cuts, which officials say would lead to cuts in programs and services.

Some residents were nonetheless skeptical. 

"I don’t feel that they have done the necessary work to put forward a proper budget at this point," Ian Cohen, of Dix Hills, said after the hearing. "The two options that were presented were all or nothing; there’s no middle ground."

But Gail Lamberta said that after attending meetings and hearing the arguments for piercing the cap, she supports approving the proposed budget. "To vote no is irresponsible," she said.

Smyth said he stands by the budget, which would see the average homeowner pay an additional $25 a month.

He said the budget, as presented, was needed to maintain services. The inflationary increase in costs has impacted operating expenses, he said.

Between now and Nov. 17, when the board is scheduled to vote on the budget, Smyth said that any of his colleagues could offer adjustments to it.

"There is still an opportunity for an alternative budget," he said.

CORRECTION: The day of the meeting at Town Hall was incorrect in an earlier version of this story. 

By Deborah S. Morris

deborah.morris@newsday.comdsvmorris

Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.