N. Hempstead releases tentative 2018 $129.2M budget

The Town of North Hempstead on Wednesday released its tentative budget, which calls for spending $129.2 million in 2018 — a 2.3 percent increase from the current budget.

The tax levy would stay below the state tax cap limit, according to the town, increasing 1.44 percent — from $24,100,681 generated in 2017 to $24,448,964 expected in 2018.

Town council members were given a copy of the budget Tuesday night and will review the spending plan before hosting a series of public meetings. The town will conduct a work session on the budget at 10 a.m. on Oct. 11. Then, on Oct. 16, the town will have a public hearing at 7 p.m. about the budget. The town will host another budget hearing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24.

The tentative budget calls for $66.9 million for the general fund, $36.3 million for the town outside village fund and $26.3 million for the 20 town-operated special districts. The town approved $67.3 million, $35.2 million and $24 million, respectively, in the 2017 budget.

Health care in 2018 is slated to cost the town an extra $1.01 million within the general fund and the outside village fund.

All budget hearings will take place at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Rd., Manhasset. The council is expected to adopt the final budget on Nov. 1.