Proposed Brookhaven budget would see 1.92% property tax hike

Property taxes in Brookhaven next year would go up about 1.92% and town programs would remain essentially unchanged under a budget proposal unveiled Thursday by Supervisor Edward P. Romaine.

The $328.6 million spending package, which boosts outlays by 3.7% over the current year's $316.8 million budget, includes increases for many goods and services that town officials attributed to spikes in the consumer price index. Those increases were mostly offset by higher anticipated revenue from mortgage taxes, interest income and building and planning department fees, officials said.

Romaine did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The current year "has presented many unexpected challenges," town officials said in a news release Thursday. "Despite this, the 2023 tentative budget maintains all town services and increases staffing to meet the needs of our residents."

Staffing is expected to increase by three, from 852 to 855.

Town officials said the proposed tax hike is less than the 2% allowed by the state cap on tax-levy increases. Officials did not supply information on the tax impact for the average home.

Garbage collection fees would increase next year by 1.86%, from $376 to $383.

Councilman Jonathan Kornreich, the town board's only Democrat, said the budget navigated challenges imposed by the tax cap and inflation. "Weaving your way between them takes a lot of skill," he told Newsday.

The budget includes an additional $1.2 million for a reserve fund to pay for expenses at the town landfill after it closes in December 2024. The additional money would bring the fund's total to $24.6 million.

The budget also includes $21.1 million for road improvements, $5 million for open space acquisition, $2.8 million for parks and recreation upgrades, $4.2 million for sewer improvements and $3.3 million for drinking water projects.

Also included are 2% raises for Romaine and each of Brookhaven's six council members. Romaine's pay would rise from $129,000 to $131,580; council members' salaries would go from $75,238 to $76,742.

Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro would receive a 5.5% raise, from $123,945 to $130,762.

The town board has scheduled a public hearing on the budget for 5 p.m. Nov. 10.

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.