Town of Hempstead residents are expecting to pay more taxes next year — $5 more for those who live in villages, and $65 more for those who live in unincorporated areas.
The Town Board approved the preliminary 2025 budget on Oct. 1, adopting a $549 million spending plan, an increase of 4.9 percent. The tax levy will increase from $346 million to $389 million — a jump of over 12 percent that will far exceed the state tax cap of roughly 2 percent.
Town Comptroller John Mastromarino stated at a budget hearing on Oct. 15 that the town has managed to postpone tax increases over the past few years by utilizing reserve funds. But, he said, those funds are now running low, which is necessitating the tax increase.
“The town hasn’t had a tax increase in four years,” Mastromarino said. During that time, he added, the cost of living across the country increased by almost 28 percent, “and what we were doing was utilizing the reserves to protect our taxpayers,” Mastromarino said.
“The reserves were used, the taxpayers were protected, and it’s now at a point where we just can’t do it anymore,” he said.
Mastromarino said that the town used $22 million of reserve funds.
Before the budget hearing, community members rallied outside Town Hall, organized by members of the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic caucus, who oppose the proposed tax increases. They accused the board of lacking transparency and failing to adequately inform the public about budgetary changes.
Attendees highlighted the already high cost of living that many residents are struggling with as they face the need to find additional funds to meet their tax obligations.
Former County Legislator Kevan Abrahams, who is challenging Republican Town Councilman Christopher Schneider to serve the balance of the term of Christopher Carini, who died in July, spoke at the rally.
“There’s no transparency — there’s no visibility,” Abrahams said of the board’s budgeting process. “They try to do this in the cloak of darkness and they’re trying to squeak it past you. It’s called a sneaky weasel tax.”
In a letter about the budget proposal distributed among those who attended the hearing, Town Supervisor Donald Clavin stated that the spending plan was “fiscally responsible” and would enhance the town’s quality of life.
“Residents love the Town of Hempstead, and for many good reasons,” Clavin wrote. “Our beaches, parks, and nature preserves are second to none. We have some of the finest restaurants, shops, and small businesses around. Our schools, athletic programs, community organizations, senior centers, and other public resources are among the best in the nation.
“This superlative quality-of-life experience paired with top-notch government services is what continues to make Hempstead Town a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” he added.