Tentative 2017 Budget Plan for Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth submitted her tentative budget for 2017 to the Town Board and the Town Clerk on Wednesday.

The tentative budget is a balanced plan with a modest tax levy within the New York State tax cap, the Town says.

See the budget highlights here:

• A tax levy within the state’s tax cap.
• Most taxpayers would qualify for a tax rebate on their NYS taxes.
• The Town’s 2017 budget includes a $67 million General Fund, a $35 million Town Outside Village (TOV) Fund, and $24 million for the 20 Town–operated special districts.

“I have asked each Town Commissioner to reduce expenses, to institute tight controls on costs and new hires,” Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a press release. “I am committed to continuing to provide Town residents with the services they deserve.”

More budget details:

• The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department would continue to provide concerts, multicultural events and recreational opportunities.
• Under the Highway Department, the snow removal budget will remain the same as last year to address recent trends in weather.
• Services provided to senior citizens through the Department of Services for the Aging and its Project Independence Program would continue to provide services and programs for the Town’s seniors, including transportation services for grocery shopping and doctor appointments.

The Town of North Hempstead reportedly received an Aa1 rating from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., an independent Wall Street bond rating agency, which reaffirmed the Town’s strong fiscal outlook.

“These positive ratings translate into lower interest rates and savings for taxpayers,” Bosworth said of the Moody’s rating.

Budget hearings will be held on October 13 and October 25 at 7:30 p.m. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment at the meetings. The Town Board will conduct a work session on October 7 at 10 a.m.

A vote on the budget by the Town Board will also take place on November 1, prior to Election Day.