Southold Supervisor Shrinks 2016 Budget

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell proposed a $42.9 million budget Wednesday, a roughly $300,000 reduction in spending from this year.

Mr. Russell said in his budget statement that the tax rate will increase by .54 percent if his budget is approved by the town board this fall.

The tax levy will increase by .99 percent.

“The escalating costs of medical insurance, retirement obligations and the general costs associated with providing services makes this, or any budget, a difficult process,” he said in his budget statement. “However, Southold is in good fiscal shape. It maintains a healthy fund balance and a low debt profile.”

Mr. Russell said the budget includes money to fill one vacant full-time police officer position, and money for the hiring of a full-time code enforcement officer to enforce fire codes, the establishment of a part-time Youth Bureau director position and the establishment of a part-time wildlife management coordinator position.

Mr. Russell added that the budget includes a $250,000 infrastructure bond “to address stormwater drainage and flood control.”

Mr. Russell’s budget calls for the town to appropriate $3.6 million from this year’s fund balance, down from $4.1 million in 2015.

Mr. Russell plans to present the budget at a special town board Friday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Southold’s budget summary is available online here.