PRESS RELEASE
Date: September 24, 2020
Contact: Supervisor’s Office
(631) 283-6055
Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman released his 2021 Tentative Budget today, delivered to the Town Clerk and Town Board at a Special Town Board meeting.
The 2021 Tentative Budget is the most financially challenging budget in many years, reflecting the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Town, including reduced revenues while coping with increased costs. In addition, the Town has had to provide funding for an 11% increase ($650,000) in its mandated NYS pension contribution.
The tax rate in the General Fund remains unchanged; however, the tax rate in the other major funds (Police, Highway, E-911, and Zoning) will see a combined total tax rate increase of 2.49%. For a home valued at $500,000, the tax impact computes to an annual increase of $12.00 for Town services. The total tax rate increase remains under the tax cap.
Given the budgetary challenges, however, the 2021 Tentative Budget continues to fund the operations that provide for the public’s safety and deliver the services that residents and visitors have come to expect from the Town.
The 2021 Tentative Budget:
• Funds all staffing costs;
• Maintains and/or improves the levels of municipal and emergency services;
• Adjusts to decreases in anticipated revenues;
• Commits to capital projects that maintain and improve infrastructure.
In his address, Supervisor Schneiderman thanked Town Comptroller Len Marchese and his staff for their assistance in preparing the 2021 Tentative Budget. In addition, Councilman Rick Martel recognized the efforts of all Town employees in keeping the engine of government running during these months of challenge.
The 2021Tentative Budget will be converted to the Preliminary Budget at a Special Meeting on October 8, 2020. Two public hearings are scheduled on the Preliminary Budget - Tuesday October 27 at 6:00p.m. and Tuesday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m. Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2020, pursuant to Town Resolution No. 2020-754.
The 2021 Tentative Budget:
2021 Tentative Budget - Operating
2021 Tentative Budget - Capital
Highlights of the Supervisor’s presentation
