Budget

A lifelong resident and business owner, he quoted past board statements on fiscal responsibility and urged the board to publish the cost of the six-year lifetime health benefit before adopting the 18% hike.

An 83-year-old Dix Hills retiree of 50+ years, he asked whether the 18% applied to his whole tax bill and was told it applies only to the town's line (~7% of the total).

Said the town has never had an outside independent audit, criticized an $85,000 SUV purchase and alleged a no-show highway job, and asked Councilwomen Hebert and Lupinacci to form a committee to hire an out-of-state audit firm (~$300,000).

Urged raising ZBA fees to cover its cost, abolishing the Planning Department, ending the Melville litigation, creating a public power authority to capture cheap electricity, and eliminating the leaf bag program.

Complained the hearing wasn't advertised on Facebook, asked who makes the final decision, and raised concerns about cumulative school tax increases; was told her ~$20,000 tax bill would rise only ~$216 under the town portion.

Called the 18% increase 'egregious,' said no middle option was presented between 2.68% and 18%, questioned the ReWorld contract extension without bidding, and asked the board to adopt within the cap or cut their own salaries proportionally.

A 36-year resident, she said she was outraged at the 18% hike, questioned the supervisor's office budget vs. Smithtown's, and cited the $85,000 SUV and lifetime health benefits as non-essential spending.

A 73-year lifelong resident, she urged approval of the budget, noting unfilled positions already constitute savings, comparing the town's $131-per-resident cost to school spending of ~$39,000 per student, and calling a 'no' vote irresponsible.

A homeowner of one year, he called the cap-or-18% framing a false choice, cited his rising assessment, promoted his website huntingtonbudget.com, and asked for a middle ground.

A lifelong resident, she rejected the 'false narrative' of cap-or-cuts, cited 30% appointee raises, expanded deputy director health benefits and 100%+ overtime overruns, and urged a compromise budget.

On the capital budget, urged $100 million of open-space acquisition over ten years including the 55-acre Sand Hills parcel, a moratorium on developing undeveloped land, and new bonds for preservation.

Argued there's a middle ground: once-weekly garbage pickup, motion-activated ballfield lights, closing the recycling center a second day — and criticized union rules that protect full-timers while part-timers are cut first.

Discussed tax cap considerations, urging careful review of program expenses and revenues.

Criticized town spending, road maintenance practices, leaf bag distribution, and board health insurance perks.

Urged the board to preserve funding for the town's adult daycare program for seniors and vulnerable residents.

Urged the board to put partisanship aside, make hard budget decisions, and reconsider elected official lifetime health benefits.

Representing the Chamber of Commerce, urged continued municipal support for community events like the Fall Festival.

Offered suggestions for town budget cuts, prioritizing vulnerable populations and eliminating elected official lifetime health benefits.

Urged the board not to vote on the tax cap override tonight, questioned legal expenditures on lawsuits, and asked to eliminate lifetime medical benefits.

Requested earlier online posting of preliminary resolution texts for public review.

Raised concerns about unsustainable school tax burdens on retired seniors without children in the district.

Paid tribute to late union advocate Harry Hennessey and questioned recent golf fee hikes and newspaper legal notice policies.

Discussed property tax grievance processes and suggested shelter support for homeless veterans.

Expressed concern over lifetime health insurance benefits for town employees and the transition to a centralized call center.

Questioned the measurable goals and continued necessity of the town's minority affairs division and identity-based advisory task forces.

Requested the town adopt legislation to raise the income level exemption tax for seniors from 50% to 65% and expressed concerns regarding immigration enforcement policies and the leaf blower ban.

Passionate testimony urging the town to swiftly adopt New York State Law S-683A to provide property tax reductions for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty.

Questioned the financial justification of lifetime medical insurance benefits for elected and appointed officials and criticized the elimination of dedicated council member legislative aides.

Urged the board to restore dedicated legislative aides for council members, offering volunteer assistance in the interim.

Daniel Carpin criticized zoning and planning board operating deficits, urged fee increases, advocated for open space acquisition, and questioned sewer district environmental reviews.

Robert Lamont discussed infrastructure issues, road paving on Depot Road, and septic system maintenance.

During the public portion, Daniel Carpin reiterated criticisms regarding sewer project environmental reviews and legal procedures.

Questioned town budget pension allocations and raised concerns about environmental impact statements for the Melville overlay district.