Oyster Bay Holds Preliminary Town Budget Hearings

The Town Board of Oyster Bay held two hearings Tuesday at Town Hall in Oyster Bay in an effort to discuss the proposed 2011 budget.

Although the preliminary $242,878,344 spending plan contains a property tax increase, both the morning and afternoon hearings were brief.

Town Supervisor John Venditto did speak about the proposed hike.

"What you see in the budget is what I would like to see in the Town of Oyster Bay," he said. "There will be a small increase in property taxes, about $30 to the average homeowner a year. It helps to keep the town solvent."

"The budget is about maintaining that the town doesn't go down the drain." Comptroller Robert McEvoy added. "Today's hearings are the first step of many steps. The Town Board will review it to make sure everything will work and then we can move forward."

According to McEvoy, the budget includes funds to fix roads and make park renovations in Massapequa including work at John J. Burns Park.

"All proposed spending has been thoroughly analyzed and the result is a lean, cost efficient budget that enables town departments to efficiently and effectively provide the programs and services," he said.

There was no opposition voiced from residents during the public comment portion of the two hearings.

The next budget hearing will meet on November 9, 10 a.m. Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay. Officials said the preliminary budget will be posted on the town website.