Southold Town Supervisor Releases 2016 Tentative Budget

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell recently released the Tentative Budget for 2016.

The $42,916,748 proposed budget reflects a reduction of total spending of 0.7%, according to Russell’s budget message.

The budget would result in a total tax increase of 0.54%.

“The escalating costs of medical insurance, retirement obligations and the general costs associated with providing services makes this, or any budget, a difficult process,” Russell wrote in his message. ”However, Southold is in good fiscal shape. It maintains a healthy fund balance and a low debt profile. The Town Board’s consistency in its approach to each budget and its commitment to adhering to adopted policies has served the community well.”

Some key features of the budget according to Russell include:

• Hiring one full-time police officer to fill the position of a retiring officer.
• Hiring a full-time Code Enforcement Officer to enforce fire codes.
• Establishing a part-time Youth Bureau Director.
• Establishing a part-time Wildlife Management Coordinator.
• A $250,000 infrastructure bond to address storm water drainage and flood control.