Southampton Town proposes 9% tax levy hike, piercing NYS cap

Southampton Town is proposing a $153.9 million budget next year that would raise the tax levy by more than 9%, exceeding the state cap.

The tentative budget, which increases spending by 7.3%, includes funding for infrastructure and municipal facilities, as well as 11 new positions, Supervisor Maria Moore said.

The proposal would require the town to levy $104.3 million through property taxes next year, a 9.4% increase over 2026. The board would have to override the state tax levy cap, which limits increases to 2%.

“We couldn't give everything that everybody asked for [and] tried to be judicious,” Moore said while presenting the budget at a special meeting recently. “The numbers just don't work to stay under the 2%.

For a home with a market value of roughly $1.65 million in the town, the budget would hike annual town tax bills by $140, Moore said.

“This tax revenue will allow us to preserve our ability to maintain the highest level of service for our residents — and that they deserve,” Moore said.

Health insurance costs are projected to rise 6%, while pension obligations are expected to climb 10%, Moore said.

The town would add 11 positions, including one police officer and employees in code enforcement, land management, information technology, senior services and facilities management departments.

The budget would increase the supervisor's base salary from $149,773 to $154,266, and the base salary of council members from $84,451 to $86,984.

Moore said the town would continue its strategy of using the operating budget to fund certain capital expenses, like equipment and vehicle replacements, rather than borrowing money, saving the town from paying interest. For example, the town plans to use $1.5 million in operating funds to pave roads, she said. 

Councilman Michael Iasilli praised the plan for spending on infrastructure and key services.

“Many municipalities are facing the blade of austerity, and you’ve taken a lot of bold measures in this proposal,” Iasilli said.

The capital plan proposes borrowing for large-scale projects. About $7.5 million would go toward improving town facilities, including partially funding a planned new Southampton Town Justice Court building, replacing the roof at the Southampton Animal Shelter and completing the new Westhampton Community Center.

The Town Board will hold a budget work session Oct. 15 and public hearings Oct. 27 and Nov. 10. The board will adopt the final budget before Nov. 20, Moore said.