Town Of Brookhaven 2021 Budget: What You Need To Know

TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, NY —Before the start of the new year, the Town of Brookhaven approved the 2021 budget of $307.1 million with a tax cap increase of less than two percent.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the town saw significant revenue loss and spending increases in 2020. However, according to Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, the town has been able to "stay within the tax cap while maintaining all services for our residents."

The total budget is about $13.9 million less than the 2020 budget, or 4.4 percent. The budget comprises 5.67 percent of the average resident’s tax bill with an average increase of $8.93 per household for the five major funds and maintains refuse and recycling costs to $1 per day.

Town officials did this by making reductions in specific departments, in order to control spending and protect taxpayers. According to a Newsday report, the cuts included layoffs of 14 employees.

The budget for seasonal park employees (booth staff) was reduced by $200,000 while the budget for public safety (seasonal line) increased by $75,000. The budget included eliminating the economic development division. The IDA is expected to absorb most of the duties, responsibilities and employees.

In addition, the “Human Services” division was removed from the Housing and Human Services department.

Both the town's recreation centers and aquatic centers are expected to remain closed until April 2021. For the summer, the Centereach and Holtsville pools are expected to reopen and summer camps are expected to resume. All sports programs including senior softball, swim lessons, basketball and lacrosse are also expected to be back for 2021.

After being canceled in 2020, shows at the Amphitheatre are expected to return next summer and the Longwood Fair is expected to make a comeback.

Some services necessary during the pandemic, such as ambulance districts, saw funding increases.