Islip’s $306.5M budget proposal stalled after motion gets no second

Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter’s motion to approve the town’s proposed $306.5 million 2027 budget received no second at the Nov. 5 budget hearing. The proposal was not approved at that meeting, but the board did not vote to reject it.

The Town of Islip calendar lists the hearing at Town Hall. Newsday and The Islip Messenger both reported that Carpenter’s motion received no second.

Proposed budget and levy increases i

The budget proposal is $17.6 million, or about 6.1%, above the reported 2026 budget. Its proposed tax levy is $18.7 million, or about 11.7%, higher than last year’s levy. These are proposed figures, not an adopted budget or tax rate.

Newsday reported that the proposed levy would exceed the town’s 2% tax-cap limit for a third consecutive year. The outlets also reported an illustrative town-tax bill increase on a $400,000 home, from $772 to $907. That is a $135 increase, or about 17.5%; it is an example, not a bill estimate for every homeowner or a full property-tax bill including other taxing authorities.

Town Comptroller Robert Kordic attributed $15.2 million in added costs to health insurance, pensions, union salary obligations, a new garbage contract and higher debt service. The Messenger reported estimates of $2.5 million for health insurance, $1.3 million for pensions, $3.8 million for salary obligations, $4.4 million for the garbage contract and about $3.2 million for debt service. Kordic said the proposal would maintain town staffing, programs and services.

Board members disputed the budget process i

Carpenter said board members received the proposal on Sept. 15 and had an opportunity to offer feedback. She also disputed Councilman Michael McElwee’s account of access to department heads. McElwee said he and other board members lacked meaningful input and could not meet with department heads to discuss budget needs. Councilman John Lorenzo cited residents’ concerns about affordability.

In reports published Nov. 11 and 12, Newsday and The Messenger said another Town Board meeting was scheduled for Nov. 17 and the board’s deadline to adopt a spending plan was Nov. 20. Both outlets reported that the proposal would take effect automatically if the board did not adopt an alternative plan by the deadline.

The townwide proposal affects residents and taxpayers across Islip, including Sayville and West Sayville.