The Town of Smithtown recently underwent a random audit from the New York State Comptroller’s Office.
This review found that Smithtown properly accounted for the impacts of COVID-19 in its budgeting process. The sole recommendation of the report is for the township to constantly adjust the budget as circumstances change.
The report was part of a sampling of 20 random municipal budgets from around the state, including the Township of Riverhead. The objective of the report was to provide feedback on how Smithtown fared in adjusting its budget to COVID-19. Audits similar to these are quite common throughout the year and are routinely conducted to ensure proper financial procedures are being followed by localities.
The town was able to continue with the construction of the Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park and its street beautification projects. Flynn Memorial Park, located on Old Commack in Kings Park, is complete with baseball diamonds, benches, and restrooms, dedicated to a local hero killed in action in Vietnam.
The St. James beautification and revitalization project includes sewer line installation and Victorian style signage and lighting. The area will be able to receive the benefits from these projects in terms of both economic development and a cleaner environmental.
The Town did decrease overtime eligibility and overall discretionary spending by 15%. Such cuts were deemed necessary due to a decline in revenues related to the pandemic.
As pandemic restrictions are lifting, the Town appears to be returning to its former self. Main Street is seeing a return of foot traffic as bars and restaurants are staying open later. There is also more traffic than has been seen recently. While the traffic may be troublesome for commuters who have gotten used to expedient trips, it is a good sign overall. Long Island’s percentage of adults vaccinated continues to climb and daily COVID-19 infections continue to plummet.
