North Hempstead Town Board Budget Hearing and Meeting – October 28, 2026

The Town of North Hempstead Town Board held a regular meeting on October 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The primary focus was two public hearings to adopt the 2027 annual budgets for the General Fund, Town Outside Village Fund, and various special districts. The board also considered a resolution setting a public hearing date for water pollution control district assessment rolls. Amendments to the preliminary budgets were presented and unanimously approved. Public comments were heard from two residents. The board engaged in extensive discussion about fund balance trends, revenue shortfalls, and non-tax revenue strategies. Both public hearings were closed, the special district budget vote was tabled to a future meeting, and the resolution for the assessment rolls hearing was adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marietta DiCamillo, a New Hyde Park resident, questioned the 2027 budget for Clinton G. Martin Park, noting a $71,000 increase in salary costs, a rise in seasonal part-time staffing from $180,000 to $504,000, a new $30,000 contingency account, and a 1% increase in the administrative fee. She asked the board to review seasonal staffing levels in light of declining revenue. Mr. Pollock explained that the contingency account is used for transfers, seasonal costs reflect mandated wage increases and lifeguard requirements, and the administrative fee is based on overall budget costs.
• Stephen Sombrato, a Port Washington resident, raised concerns about the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District budget, stating that FOIL documents show Sunset Park revenues and expenses are run through the district’s operating account with no separate budget or policies. He questioned the district’s statutory authority to finance a recreational park and requested the town board review the matter before adopting the budget. The town attorney stated that the district owns the property and must maintain the surface over its facilities, and that altering revenue sources could force tax increases.

Discussion Items

• Budget Amendments Presentation and Vote: Stephen Pollock, Supervisor’s Office, presented two categories of amendments from the preliminary to the final proposed budget. For commissioner-operated special districts, the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District had fiscal agent fee and revenue adjustments, and the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District had taxable valuation changes. For town-operated special districts, the Great Neck Fire Protection District received an updated contract number, and the highway department had an employee transfer between codes. The board voted unanimously (7-0) to approve these amendments.
• Fund Balance and Revenue Concerns: Councilwoman Liu noted that the general fund ending balance in 2025 was $35 million, with projected spending of $10 million in 2026 and $16 million in 2027, which would leave an $8.9 million reserve—below the board’s 10% policy. She requested actual spending figures. Mr. Pollock responded that projections are based on prior trends and that the town typically finishes with surpluses, so the balance should stay above 10%. Councilman Troiano added that the town is losing about $4 million in revenue annually since 2024 and questioned non-tax revenue sources such as parking fines and franchise fees. The deputy supervisor argued that non-tax revenues are historically low and that the board frequently waives fees, which undermines revenue. A discussion ensued about a potential town traffic court, but it was noted that state authorization would be required and is unlikely given population thresholds.
• Sales Tax Revenue Transfer: Mr. Pollock explained that the New York State Comptroller’s office advised the town to move sales tax revenue from the General Fund to the Town Outside Village (TOV) Fund. The 2027 budget shifts 25% of sales tax to the TOV, with the rest phased in over four years. This change accounts for a $4.1 million line in the TOV fund and a corresponding reduction in the general fund.
• Parking Enforcement and Fines: Councilman Troiano questioned a 10% increase in projected parking enforcement fines, expressing concern that aggressive ticketing amounts to a hidden tax. Deputy supervisor stated that enforcement has been expanded town-wide and that tickets are issued for actual infractions, not as a revenue tool. Councilwoman Delamante and others noted that the town has limited ability to collect unpaid tickets, with recourse only through the court system.
• Tree and Sidewalk Backlog: Councilman Troiano raised concerns about a reported backlog of 1,400 trees identified as safety risks and asked if current staffing is sufficient. The deputy supervisor responded that the backlog is being reduced, tree removals have increased since the tree policy was revised, and adding a new crew would require ongoing funding. He emphasized that not all 1,400 trees are in immediate danger and that many are stumps or require coordination with utility companies. The board agreed to hold a working meeting to examine the breakdown of tree service requests.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Budget Amendments: The board voted unanimously (7-0) to adopt the changes to the preliminary budgets as presented by Mr. Pollock.
• Public Hearing for Special Districts (Item #2) Closed: Motion carried unanimously (7-0).
• Public Hearing for General Fund and TOV (Item #1) Closed: Motion carried unanimously (7-0).
• Motion to Table Resolution for Special District Budgets (Item #2): The motion to table was approved (4-3: Scott, Walsh, Levy, DeSena in favor; Triano, Lou, Delamante against), deferring adoption to the November 10, 2026 meeting. The board noted that the special district commissions would be informed of the postponement.
• Resolution for Assessment Rolls Public Hearing (Item #3) Adopted: The board voted unanimously (7-0) to set a public hearing date for the 2027 assessment rolls of the Belgrave, Great Neck, and Port Washington Water Pollution Control Districts.