Smithtown Town Board to Host 2013 Budget Hearing

Town of Smithtown residents have the opportunity to offer their input on the proposed 2013 budget Thursday night. 

Smithtown Town Board will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2013 budget 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizen Center. It is the only public hearing scheduled for the night. 

Smithtown elected officials have proposed a $103 million budget for 2013, a spending hike increase of approximately 2.4 percent. If approved, property taxes would increase by $46.83 for the average homeowner whose house is assessed value is $5,500. 

A large portion of the spending increase of $1.8 million is due mandatory cost increases in pensions and hospitalization insurance. 

However, the town was able to carry over surplus funding from the Highway Department's snow removal fund as last year was such a mild winter, allowing elected officials to reduce snow removal taxes by $10.36 per household. 

Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said the proposed budget avoids laying off town employees and does not cut any town services. 

Instead, elected officials are proposed to take a $7.3 million dip into the town's reserve funds, or rainy day funds, to balance the budget while keeping taxes low. 

The proposed 2013 budget stays within New York State's mandated tax cap and will only require a simple majority to pass. 

Click here to read Smithtown Town Board's full agenda for Thursday night's meeting.