Proposed Southold Town budget increases by 1% without layoffs

Southold’s budget would increase 1 percent under a $41.58-million spending plan released by Supervisor Scott Russell.

The budget does not lay off any town employees, fills some vacant positions and includes one part-time code enforcement officer. It also keeps a 12 percent general fund appropriation in reserves, Russell said Monday.

“We’re holding our own economically,” Russell said in an interview.

Revenue from all sources continued to decline, along with the town’s assessed value. But while some sources, such as the mortgage tax, remain well below peak levels, he said, “we’re starting to see signs of a more robust real estate market.”

The budget also includes $75,000 for deer control.