Town Offers 2014 Budgets

The Town of Huntington released its 2014 preliminary $185.2 million operating budget Monday. 

Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said the proposal represented  a net zero percent tax increase for businesses and residents, though spending would increase.

Reserves would make up the difference.

"is a responsible spending plan that enforces my fiduciary commitment to the Town’s taxpayers in this slow to recover economy," Petrone said.

"My philosophy has been to 'save for a rainy day' as we have endeavored to maintain healthy fund balances and reserves throughout the years," Petrone said. "This very philosophy has been time tested and well proven and is that which has allowed the Town to maintain financial strength through a sustained AAA bond rating and stabilized taxes, despite an unprecedented lag in the economy."

Petrone also proposed a capital budget of $8.8 million. That budget includes initiatives for 2014 and beyond: the completion of Coral Park, the reconstruction of the Gerard Street parking lot, a new bulkhead at the Halesite Town dock, the construction of a new rowing facility, funding for technology initiatives and for environmental protection.

Town Board members Mark Mayoka and Gene Cook disputed the characterization of the budget, saying it "calls for a million dollar tax increase and an increase in parking meter fees along with the aggressive enforcement of parking summonses.  Fees and taxes have been indisputably increased and to say there is a net zero tax increase is misleading as there is a 2.2% spending increase."

They also said, "The 2014 budget is not credible since it was prepared without completion of the 2012 annual certified audit which is a necessary and essential part of preparing an accurate budget."

A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 15.