East Hampton 2016 Budget Would Stay Under Tax Cap
A proposed 2016 East Hampton Town budget released today by East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell calls for $73.5 million in spending, up from $71.5 million this year.
The tax-levy increase in the proposed budget is below the New York State-mandated 2-percent cap by $176,732. If adopted as proposed by Mr. Cantwell, the spending plan would result in a 1.8-percent tax increase.
It would include money for several new full-time employees in the Police Department and the town's Public Safety Division, as well as additional seasonal help and overtime for enforcement.
"The 2016 Budget increases enforcement personnel and our ability to enforce the law and codes throughout the community, " Mr. Cantwell said in a statement.
One fire marshal, one code enforcement officer, and three additional police officers would be hired. Salaries for positions filled this year — a new assistant town attorney and a new building inspector — were included. The positions, Mr. Cantwell said in a budget message, "will improve the town's ability to identify violations, enforce the codes, prosecute offenders, and draft new legislation." The additional salaries and benefits would add up to $625,000.
The budget also adds two seasonal Parks Department workers to expand the summer garbage and litter programs. It also adds $825,000 for part-time seasonal help and overtime costs in the Marine Patrol and Police Departments.
Also included in the budget is $50,000 for engineering for infrastructure improvements, $22,000 to upgrade the town website, and $155,000 for water quality monitoring and improvements.
According to Mr. Cantwell's budget message, a proposed 2.76-percent increase in spending next year will be "offset in part by $900,000 in cost savings from lower debt payments and employee retirement contributions." Mr. Cantwell's budget would make use of just over $1 million in money from surplus funds and reserves.
Mr. Cantwell said the tentative operating budget was designed to provide funding to "bolster enforcement of the town code and laws" as well as to address "planning needs for infrastructure improvements." Meanwhile, he said, the budget maintains "strong financial and budgetary controls that have resulted in the town achieving its highest credit rating in nearly 10 years."
The town board will review Mr. Cantwell's plan and discuss potential changes. A preliminary budget will be the subject of a hearing that, according to state law, must be held before Nov. 15. The formal 2016 budget must by adopted by Nov. 20.