OKd Brookhaven Town budget increases spending, avoids layoffs

The Brookhaven Town Board has unanimously adopted its proposed $252.4 million budget.

The 2014 budget, adopted Tuesday night by a 7-0 vote, increases spending by 1.9 percent over this year’s $247.6 million budget. There are no layoffs.

“I was pleased to see that the budget was adopted. I think it’s a good budget, not perfect, but a budget we will build on,” Town Supervisor Edward P. Romaine said in an interview.

But some on the dais said the 2013 budget paved the way for 2014.

“Last year’s budget really took the brunt of the weight off us for the decision making this year. Last year’s budget was tough,” Councilwoman Kathy Walsh said after the meeting. “There were a lot of cuts and job losses. We really bit the bullet last year, which gave us some .?.?. breathing room this year.”

The average Brookhaven home assessed at $2,750 would pay $997.28 — 2 cents less in overall taxes.

Brookhaven’s $53.5 million capital budget includes $10 million for open space acquisitions, including $6 million for purchases within the Carmans River watershed area.

The budget boosts spending by 1.9 percent — with the increase to be covered, in part, by higher fees for building and planning department permit applications.

Brookhaven’s budget succeeds a 2013 budget that was enacted by default last November when the town board did not approve a spending plan crafted by former Supervisor Mark Lesko. It kept taxes flat but trimmed about 140 jobs.