The Poll: Higher taxes, please

Bellport residents told village trustees at a public hearing Monday that they support higher taxes in order to protect village amenities like the Fire Island ferry, golf course and Ho-Hum Beach.

The hearing began with comments from the trustees, some of whom agonized over whether the 8.4 percent tax increase -- which would have added about $80 to the $1,000 average annual property tax bill -- was prudent in tough fiscal times.