Split Vote as Huntington Votes to Raise Taxes

By Leader Staff

A divided Huntington Town Board voted - by a split vote of 3 to 2 - to back Supervisor Ed Smyth's (R-Halesite) demand that they raise taxes and pierce the 2% state tax cap.

Voting "Yes" to pierce the tax cap were Smyth, and Councilmembers Theresa Mari (R-Centerport) and Dr. Dave Bennardo (R-Greenlawn); Voting "No" were Councilwomen Brooke Lupinacci (C-Lloyd Harbor) and Jen Hebert (D- Huntington Village).

New York State imposes a limit of no more than 2% on all tax increases, unless the municipality specifically votes to "pierce" the tax cap.

Smyth must present a budget to the Town Board by September 30th, but has claimed that the budget is now $16 million in deficit on a total budget of about $250 million.

Spending has exploded under Smyth, with large salary increases for his immediate staff, and such "perks" as lifetime health insurance for Smyth and his political appointees, and a new luxury $85,000 Tahoe SUV for Smyth's personal use. Smyth arranged for another luxury SUV to go to his staff.

Recent news reports in the Northport Observer detail that Smyth's Supervisor's office coats the taxpayers over $6 million, whereas the neighboring Smithtown Supervisor's office cost Smithtown taxpayers only about $800,000.