2012-13 Tentative Budget Considered

A continuation of the public hearing on Dec. 20 of the Northport Village Board of Trustees was held Tuesday night at to discuss the 2012-13 tentative budget.

The affects of the 4.22 percent tax rate are evident in the department of Public Safety, where recapitulations increased from $4,110,627 to $4,186,126, and employee benefits, which increased by $664,192 or 22.07 percent, the largest increase of all departments.

Total appropriations, which included government support, education, health, transportation, economic assistance, community service, interfund transfer, and debt service totaled at $13,536,569, an $827,670 increase from last year’s budget.      

Leo Montagna, who has been a Northport Village resident for 40 years, read his letter of grievances out loud. Montagna stated that he has “had enough of ‘hide and seek’ government,” and that the board of trustees is “consumed with their own self-interest.”

Trustee Damon McMullen was upset by Leo’s letter; in response Montagna replied, “What’s wrong with my letter?”

Trustee Henry Tobin simply explained, “It’s nonsense. I believe this board has proceeded because we are following what New York State tells us to do — it’s the law.”  

Much like Montagna, other Northport residents such as Elizabeth Koerner, were upset by the tax rate increase and raised many concerns including homes being under assessed (the tax rate will increase mortgage rates this year). “We can't pay or do this anymore,” exclaimed Koerner, “The residents are fed up!”

Other members of the community raised similar issues while some didn’t mind the budget for this year. An anonymous member of the Northport community came forward to say, “It’s tough times,” as not only Long Island but all of the nation can agree. “But I’m willing to pay more to have a better community,” continued the man.

As residents from all over Northport made their arguments, the Board of Trustees continued to jot down their concerns, for they will keep them in mind. “We’ll continue to fight because your money is our money,” Trustee Tom Kehoe said. The tentative budget for 2012-13 was considered by the Board.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.