Town of North Hempstead Town Board Regular Meeting – October 28, 2025: 2026 Budget Adoption and Public Hearings

The Town Board met on October 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM to conduct public hearings on the preliminary 2026 budget and water pollution control district assessment rolls, and to adopt resolutions for the 2026 budgets of the General Fund, Town Outside Village (TOV) Fund, and all special districts. The meeting included public comment, a discussion of budget amendments, and a debate over the use of the town’s substantial fund balance. All resolutions passed unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pete Gaffney (Westbury resident) raised several budget questions: he criticized the tourism and business department budget (unchanged at $127,500), urged using a projected $4 million surplus to fund the next phase of North Hempstead Town Beach Park, questioned the golf course water budget ($250,000) and alcohol liability indemnity, requested transparency on a 20-year golf course contract with Brook Holdings (FOIL pending), questioned the school bus camera program revenue projection of $3.7 million, asked about a $19,000 reduction in recycling line, why emergencies/disasters line was $0, and sought explanation for a large increase in unallocated expenses (from $53,000 in 2024 to $1,125,000 in 2026). He also noted reductions in aging services and solid waste management revenue.
• Town Attorney’s Office responded that the golf course contract requires indemnification and liability insurance naming the town as additional insured.
• Stephen Pollock (Supervisor’s Office) answered several technical budget questions: recycling revenue lines are unchanged or slightly increased; emergencies/disasters line is unbudgeted and used only for FEMA/NYS declared emergencies; the unallocated increase is due to moving discount on property tax expense from the tax receiver’s office; and the solid waste management revenue reduction is based on a one-off project completion.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearings (Items 1 & 2): The Board opened and closed both hearings simultaneously after the sole public comment. No other testimony was offered. The hearings were closed by unanimous voice vote.
• Budget Amendments: Supervisor DeSena introduced amendments to the 2026 budget: (1) customary changes reflecting personnel actions from prior meetings, and (2) a transfer of $25,000 from a vacant bus driver position line to the Department of Community Services events line at the Commissioner’s request. The amendments were adopted by a 6-0 vote.
• Fund Balance Debate: Councilman Troiano questioned why the town maintains a fund balance projected at $34 million (end of 2025) when the town’s policy minimum is $9.27 million (10% of the general fund budget). He argued the surplus could be used to reduce taxes. Deputy Supervisor McLaro stated the fund balance was historically over 40% and has been gradually drawn down; this year the budget keeps taxes flat. Supervisor DeSena noted that Troiano had 12 days since the work session to propose amendments and did not, and that the deadline for amendments had passed. Troiano requested a delay in the vote to consider a tax cut, but the Board proceeded to vote. Councilwoman Dalimonte and others expressed that a flat tax was acceptable but wished a tax break had been possible. The exchange became heated, with accusations of grandstanding.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 597-2025: Adopting the annual assessment roll of the Belgrave Water Pollution Control District for FY2026 – Adopted 6-0.
• Resolution 598-2025: Adopting the annual assessment roll of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District for FY2026 – Adopted 6-0.
• Resolution 599-2025: Adopting the annual assessment roll of the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District for FY2026 – Adopted 6-0.
• Resolution 600-2025: Adopting the annual budgets of all special districts for FY2026 – Adopted 6-0.
• Resolution 601-2025: Adopting the annual budgets of the Town General Fund and Town Outside Village Fund for FY2026 (as amended) – Adopted 6-0 (Councilman Troiano voted aye while noting his desire for a tax cut).
• The meeting adjourned following the vote.