Summary
Councilwoman Merrifield accused the Riverhead School Board of deliberately leaving SRO costs out of its $218 million budget to avoid piercing the tax cap, then demanding town taxpayers — including 1,865 residents in other school districts — cover it. Supervisor Halpin denied manufacturing a crisis and said the town is working on a response through its attorney.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
Potentially shifts SRO costs onto town taxpayers, including ~1,865 residents who pay school taxes to other districts.
Riverhead school district families if the town picks up the SRO cost.
Town taxpayers in Mattituck, Eastport-South Manor, and Shoreham-Wading River districts, per Merrifield's argument.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Town Board - Sep 15, 2026
The renewal of the school resource officer contract with Riverhead Central School District was pulled back because the contract was poorly assembled, had inconsistent dates, gave the superintendent overtime discretion, and locked the town into future renewals. Councilmembers also want the school district to pick up more of the cost so senior taxpayers aren't hit.
Town Board Work Session - Sep 10, 2026
The school district will pay $200,000 this year but the town covers roughly $150,000 more, with no commitment for future years. Kern and Merrifield object that town taxpayers — including those in other school districts — foot the bill without STAR relief. The board wants a joint meeting with the school board in early October.
Town Board - Sep 1, 2026
Councilwoman Merrifield accused the Riverhead School Board of deliberately leaving SRO costs out of its $218 million budget to avoid piercing the tax cap, then demanding town taxpayers — including 1,865 residents in other school districts — cover it. Supervisor Halpin denied manufacturing a crisis and said the town is working on a response through its attorney.
Town Board Work Session - Aug 27, 2026
The expired agreement had the school district paying 50% of the full cost of two police officers stationed in schools. The district now offers 50% of base salaries only; councilmembers say the cost belongs in the school budget and object that town residents in other school districts would subsidize Riverhead schools. No deal yet — a joint meeting is planned before school starts.
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