Brookhaven budget to raise taxes 1.92 percent

Brookhaven Town supervisor Ed Romaine recently released the $328.6 million 2023 tentative budget with a 1.92, or 10.52 per year, percent tax raise, remaining below the tax cap and reducing debt by 36 percent. Last year’s $316.8 million budget included a $3.88 increase for village residents and $10.93 for outside village residents.

The 2023 budget also, according to the town, 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, while complying with New York State and Town of Brookhaven tax levy, tax rate, and debt caps.

The salaries of the elected officials have slightly gone up, with Romaine receiving a $2,500 increase from $129,000 to $131,580. The six trustees all saw a $1,500 increase from $75,200 to $76,700. The tax receiver saw a slight bump from $110,600 to 112,800, and the town clerk and highway superintendent received a raise from $110,600 to $112,800 and $123,900 to $130,700, respectively.

The budget also increases the snow removal budget by $232,182; the garbage costs for single homes slightly increased to $385 from last year’s $376 and 2021’s $365; and increases the landfill post-closure reserve by $1.2 million for $24.6 million in total.

Public Improvement Projects include: $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 planning and environmental; $1 million for other improvements, including vehicles, facilities, public safety, IT; $4.2 million to sewer improvements; and $3.3 million for drinking-water improvements.

The town’s landfill remains on track to close its construction and debris operation at the end of fiscal year 2024. The town board approved a $4 million capping project in 2022 and another $4 million capping project in 2023, representing an additional 25 acres to the existing 140 acres capped. 

Additionally, a town spokesperson said they are confident they will maintain their AAA credit rating with Standard & Poor’s Financial Services and Moody’s.

For more information and budget documents visit: https://brookhavenny.sharepoint.com/sites/PublicInformation/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FPublicInformation%2FShared%20Documents%2F2023%20Tentative%20Budget&p=true&ga=1.