Town Holds Public Discussion on 2025 Budget

The Town of Brookhaven has proposed a budget for the 2025 fiscal year, totaling $361,150,761. With a tax levy of $234,377,166, the budget for this year seeks to balance enhancements to public safety and code enforcement with the preservation of essential community services and parks funding. The budget also includes a 4% reduction in property taxes for nine ambulance districts and a $1.2 million growth in the landfill post-closure reserve fund, ensuring environmental and fiscal responsibility in the years following the landfill’s closure.

The Town appears set to join several other Suffolk townships, including Babylon and Riverhead, in piercing its tax cap this year, although Brookhaven’s pierce is less than Babylon’s proposed 9.9% tax hike.

With 850 full-time staff positions in place for 2025, the town has emphasized its commitment to constituent services without reducing government size or workforce. In fact, the 2025 budget prioritizes increased staffing for public safety and code enforcement, enhancing the town’s ability to respond to community needs and maintain safety standards. Additionally, the budget fully supports parks and open space acquisitions, reinforcing Brookhaven’s dedication to preserving natural spaces for future generations.

However, the decision to override the tax levy limit was not without public scrutiny, particularly regarding youth services. During a public hearing, a local social worker, who has worked with youth facing mental health issues, homelessness, and other challenges on Long Island for over thirty years, voiced concerns over cuts to youth development programs within Brookhaven. He cited the termination of the Youth Court Program and reduced staffing in youth services, which now operates with just two employees. The social worker expressed concern that the budget cuts would impact youth development initiatives, which he believes are crucial for early intervention in addressing at-risk youth.

Another speaker, a high school senior with aspirations to become a psychologist, also advocated for expanding youth opportunities. She highlighted the importance of community service to build character and leadership skills, and she recommended raising awareness of the existing Youth Advisory Board Committee to engage more young people. She, along with others, believes that youth programs and community service help cultivate responsibility and empathy.

The hearing raised questions about the best way to allocate funds for youth services and whether other entities, such as nonprofits, could be better suited to support these programs. Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) addressed the concerns, noting that the town is one of only three in New York State participating in the HUD Foster Program, which aids homeless youth. He suggested that nonprofits, which often have flexibility and extended hours, could be well-positioned to meet the complex needs of young people, particularly those facing mental health crises outside of traditional working hours.

Supervisor Panico expressed interest in reinstating the Youth Court Program, acknowledging its value as highlighted by speakers. However, he also emphasized the importance of fiscal oversight and efficient fund allocation, noting that youth services could benefit from collaboration with school districts, nonprofits, and other agencies that may already be better equipped to address specific needs of youth not reached by town programs.