Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Glen Cove public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget
Commercial building permit fee increase
Commercial building permit fees are going up — from $25 to $27.50 per $1,000 of value and apartment fees rising to $300 per story — as part of the fee schedule changes.
Proposed 2027 City Budget
The city plans to spend $70.67 million in 2027, with the tax levy up $609,450 — about $98 more per year for a home assessed at $805,000. The levy stays $525,000 under the state tax cap. The hearing stays open until October 27.
Hotel occupancy tax uncertainty
The budget counts on a hotel occupancy tax that hasn't been approved yet — the mayor pushed its assumed start from April to August after council feedback. One resident questioned whether a 4% add-on could hurt Glen Cove's only hotel.
Pulaski Street Garage Lease to North Shore Honda
The city would lease the north side of the third floor of the Pulaski Street municipal parking garage to a car dealership for $10,416.67 a month, retroactive to June 1, 2026, through May 2028. That brings garage revenue but reduces public parking there.
Sales Tax Revenue Shift from County to State
The city didn't get its county waiver last year, so sales-tax money came in smaller — but the state distribution is now confirmed and should bring in considerably more this year, plus a new hotel occupancy tax starting April 2027.
Event spending oversight questions
Three council members balked at paying summer event vendors after the fact, noting the special events budget line is running a deficit until street fair revenue arrives. They abstained on the band payments and want a final accounting before similar votes.
New city website with Civic Plus
The city is paying Civic Plus up to $59,300 over three years to build a new website that's ADA-compliant, easier to search, and more secure.
Budget hole and Moody's downgrade dispute
A heated exchange broke out over whether the city's budget has a $3 million hole after state tax revenue slipped to 2027 and Moody's downgraded the city. The mayor acknowledged the gap and said the administration is working to close it.
Failed $4.9M bond ordinance for capital improvements
The council couldn't pass its yearly borrowing plan for roads, buildings, and first-responder equipment because two members abstained pending more information. Projects like Woolsey Avenue flood fixes and road paving are now on hold until the vote returns in two weeks. A heated debate broke out over transparency about what departments originally requested versus what was funded.
$4.9 Million Bond for Capital Improvements
The council borrowed to pay for road paving, drainage fixes on Woolsey, Chestnut, Poplar, Pine and Beatrice, and new equipment. This is what gets your street repaved and those flooding spots fixed.
Non-resident golf fees cut for 2026 season
The council retroactively approved $28,355 in extra work on the 12th Hole Bridge repair, and members raved about how the course is looking — with talk of a drone video to promote it.
2026-2027 CDBG program citizen input
Residents had their chance to propose activities for the federal Community Development Block Grant; the CDA board will finalize activities March 10.
Veterans real property tax exemption
Glen Cove adopted the state's alternative veterans exemption, giving seriously disabled veterans a tax break on their primary residence. The public hearing drew no comments.
Filming permit fee increases
Glen Cove doubles down on getting paid for Hollywood visits — filming permits jump 25-50%, from $25/day for-profit permits to $100 and commercial shoots to $2,250-$4,500 a day.