2027 Preliminary Budget Amendments and Tax Levy Reduction
Town of Riverhead
Summary
Six amendments trimmed the proposed 2027 tax increase from 2.79% to 1.79% by shifting one-time purchases to fund balance and cutting excess reserves. Supervisor Halpin abstained on four, warning of a repeat of the 2022 under-budgeting that cost $2 million.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 3
Rising — discussed at 4 meetings since Sep 24, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Cuts the proposed 2027 tax hike by a full percentage point — a 35% reduction in the tax increase.
Riverhead taxpayers who will see a smaller tax increase in 2027.
Halpin warns future budgets may face shortfalls if recurring costs are underfunded.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Town Board - Oct 20, 2026
Six amendments trimmed the proposed 2027 tax increase from 2.79% to 1.79% by shifting one-time purchases to fund balance and cutting excess reserves. Supervisor Halpin abstained on four, warning of a repeat of the 2022 under-budgeting that cost $2 million.
Town Board Work Session - Oct 15, 2026
The board is trimming the proposed 2027 tax levy increase from 2.79% to 1.79% by using investment earnings, fund balance, and excess street lighting reserves. There was some friction — the supervisor defended his original budget and questioned adding employee raises not included in it.
Town Board - Oct 6, 2026
The board set the public hearing on the 2027 preliminary budget — the formal start of the process that determines next year's taxes and services.
Town Board Work Session - Sep 24, 2026
The 2027 budget keeps all taxing districts under the 2.79% tax cap while adding six full-time positions and 76 merit raises. The General Fund grows $2.9 million, driven mostly by salaries, retirement and health insurance, offset partly by $819,000 in retirement incentive savings.
Town Board - Sep 24, 2026
Riverhead's tentative 2027 budget stays under the 2.79% tax cap while adding staff and raises. A typical $800,000 property would see about 28 cents a day more in general fund taxes, and waste collection rises less than a penny a day.
Residents irate after Long Island town sticks its homeowners with shocking $7M bill after losing lawsuit to golf course: 'They're f--king us'
Residents irate after Long Island town sticks its homeowners with shocking $7M bill after losing lawsuit to golf course: 'They're f--king us' New York Post
Riverhead’s 2026 tentative budget calls for town wide tax rate increase of 6.74%
Riverhead’s 2026 tentative budget calls for town wide tax rate increase of 6.74% RiverheadLOCAL
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