North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth yesterday submitted to the Town Board and the Town Clerk her tentative budget for 2016, a fiscal plan that demonstrates her commitment to open and transparent government. The tentative budget is a balanced plan with a modest tax levy increase of .73%, within the challenging New York State tax cap. This will qualify most taxpayers for a tax rebate on their New York State taxes. The final budget will be voted on October 29, prior to Election Day.

The Town’s 2016 budget includes a $67.3 million General Fund, a $35.3 million Town outside Village (TOV) Fund, and $24 million for the 20 Town–operated special districts.

For residents living in incorporated villages, the General Fund Budget represents a $3.25 a year increase for the average household. For residents living in the unincorporated areas of the Town, who also pay the TOV tax, their increase represents an additional $8.30 a year for the average household.

“This budget is a result of a lot of hard work by our Comptroller’s Office, Finance Director and our commissioners who crafted a budget and stayed under the very challenging tax cap,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “I have asked each Town Commissioner to reduce expenses, to institute tight controls on costs and new hires. I am committed to continuing to provide Town residents with the services they deserve.”

The Town continues to reduce its reliance on the State’s pension loan program.

The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department will continue to provide world-class concerts, multicultural events and myriad recreational opportunities. Under the Highway Department snow removal will see a slight increase to address recent trends in weather. Programming provided by the Department of Community Services will continue to make life more enjoyable for residents. Services provided to senior citizens through the Department of Services for the Aging (DOSA) and its Project Independence Program will continue to be a national role model by providing numerous services and programs for the Town’s seniors, including transportation services for grocery shopping and doctor appointments.

This month, the Town received an Aa1 rating from the independent Wall Street bond rating agency Moody's Investors Service, Inc., which once again reaffirmed the Town's strong fiscal outlook for 2016.

“These positive ratings translate into lower interest rates and savings for taxpayers,” the Supervisor said of the Moody’s rating.

Budget hearings will be held on October 13, October 20 and October 29; all meetings at 7:30 p.m. A vote on the budget by the Town Board will also take place at the October 29 meeting, prior to Election Day.