Huntington opposing possible power plant reassessment

Huntington town officials are taking steps to fight a possible reassessment of the Northport power plant by the Long Island Power Authority that would result in lower taxes paid to the town.

The board voted at its monthly meeting Thursday night to allow the town attorney to take whatever action is necessary to fight the potential reassessment including contacting other municipalities and consultants, lawyers and experts in various fields.

The board also approved the creation of an advisory committee surrounding the issue that includes villages, chambers of commerce and school districts.

The Long Island Power Authority, which is owned by National Grid, has begun the process of challenging the taxes it pays to Huntington and Brookhaven, where it owns power plants - a move aimed at reducing costs for its 1.1 million ratepayers. In the coming months, the utility is expected to file petitions in other areas where it owns power plants in an effort to lower assessments that pump tens of millions of dollars into local economies, lowering school taxes and helping fund local governments.

"This is the beginning of the process," town board member Mark Cuthbertson said. "We're sending letters, we'll lobby the new governor and reach out to all levels of government. "

In other action, the Huntington town board voted 4-1 to adopt its 2011 budgets Thursday night. The $184.3-million operating budget holds the line on taxes and calls for no tax increases for residents in three of the town's funds - general, part-town and refuse - and a 2 percent decrease in the highway fund tax.

The budget calls for a decrease of $8.68 in the real property tax bill for a taxpayer whose home is assessed at $4,100. It also includes an $800,000 decrease in operations spending.

There will be an estimated savings of $4.3 million due to the elimination of 56 town positions. The positions include 36 that have been held vacant this year and 20 from the estimated 38 employees expected to opt into the state's early retirement incentive program. Positions vacated by retirees that are not eliminated will either remain vacant for part of the year or be downgraded, for a savings of $200,000.

A freeze on salaries of elected and appointed personnel will continue. Town fees are rising for fireworks permits, boat racks, commuter parking and for parks and recreation.

The $10.9-million capital budget calls for a 22 percent decrease in overall capital spending, while increasing funding for road rehabilitation from $1.5 million to $3 million.