Smyth: 19% Property Tax Increase for the Town of Huntington

By Leader Staff

Huntington homeowners are facing a massive 19% tax increase in the 2027 Budget submitted by Supervisor Ed Smyth (R- Halesite).

The tax increase was demanded by Smyth, after he refused to cut what he called "essential services." Smyth claimed it would be "fiscal suicide" for Huntington - or any town - to not impose a huge tax increase.

"Piercing the tax cap this year was publicly predicted by me for several years," claimed Smyth.

Smyth doubled-down on his tax hike demands, holding a press conference on October 6th, where he called upon NY Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to repeal the 2% tax cap. Under current law, a town tax increase requires a 60% vote if it exceeds the 2% cap set by the state.

Hochul rejected Smyth's tax hike demands, stating "The property tax cap is a critical protection for homeowners... Elected officials across the state should be looking for ways to control costs, not asking homeowners to pay more.”

In September, the Huntington Town Board voted - by a vote of 3 to 2 - to pierce the 2% tax cap, with the three Republicans - Smyth, Theresa Mari and Dave Bennardo - voting "Yes;" and Councilwomen Brooke Lupinacci, a Conservative and Jen Hebert, a Democrat, voting "No."

Residents accused Smyth of using "scare tactics" - like closing town beaches early and canceling such Huntington favorites as the Huntington Lighthouse Music Festival to try to force a tax increase. They blame Smyth for "fiscal mismanagement and waste."

Smyth has been criticized in the Northport Observer newspaper for spending over $6 million on his Supervisor's office - when the Smithtown Supervisor's office costs the taxpayers only $800,000.

Smyth recently voted to give himself "lifetime health insurance" and a new $85,000 Luxury SUV for his personal use.  He also bloated his political staff with huge raises of up to 30% or more, and increased the salaries for Town laborers doubling as his political workers from $28,000 - to nearly $100,000.

Nearby municipalities - including the Towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay - and Nassau County and Suffolk County - have no tax increases for 2027.