Brookhaven Proposes 1.92% Property Tax Increase: Report

FARMINGVILLE, NY — A roughly two percent tax increase with no change to services is included in Brookhaven Town's proposed 2023 budget, Newsday reported.

The $328.6 million spending plan contains an increase of outlays by 3.7 percent over the $316.8 million budget adopted for 2022, and also includes goods and services increases officials attributed to consumer price index spikes, the outlet reported. But the increases were — for the most part — offset by higher anticipated mortgage tax revenues and interest income, as well as building and planning department fees, according to the outlet.

In a news release issued last week, officials said that "despite significant inflation over the past year and a rising Consumer Price Index, the budget holds the line on taxes below the tax cap and reduces outstanding debt by more than 36 percent."

The tentative operating budget "fully funds all constituent services, provides for escalating price increases in commodities, is conservative in its revenue projections, and preserves Fund Balance levels in the major tax districts through structural balance," officials said.

It also complies with the state and town tax levy, tax rate, and debt caps, officials said, adding, that "because of the steps taken" within the proposal, they are "confident that our AAA credit rating with Wall Street bond rating services will be reaffirmed."

Some highlights include:

• Snow removal budget increase of $232,182
• Garbage costs are held below $385 for a single home
• Landfill Post-Closure Reserve increased from $1.2 million to $24.6 million
• Contractual spending increase of 6.3 percent, which is consistent with the town’s regional CPI
• $21.1 million for roads, stormwater, and drainage improvements, traffic safety, street lighting, machinery, and equipment
• $8.8 million in landfill capping, infrastructure improvements, and machinery/equipment
• $5 million for open space preservation and land acquisition for drainage
• $2.8 million for park and recreation facilities, and equipment
• $2 million for the planning and environmental department
• $1 million for other improvements, including vehicles, facilities, public safety, and IT
• $ 4.2 million for sewer improvements
• $ 3.3 million for drinking water improvements

To view the proposed 2023 budget, click here.