In the 2024 budget summary, Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim highlighted what he describes as the "town's commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with enhanced community services." The budget, described by Wehrheim as "structurally balanced, and fiscally prudent," aims to support the quality of life in Smithtown while addressing the challenges of state mandates and rising costs.
"We've delivered a budget this year that keeps all major funds structurally balanced, with no use of fund balance needed to balance the budget," Wehrheim stated, emphasizing the town's financial stability.
The budget outlines a tax increase of $30.57 for the average homeowner (home assessed at $5,500), staying within the town's allowable tax cap limit. This increase is part of the town's strategy to manage rising costs while maintaining essential services.
Significant allocations in the 2024 budget include $5.2 million for the Road Program, aimed at improving the town's road infrastructure. The Solid Waste Residential District is set to experience a $10 increase in fees, from $530 to $540, to cover increasing disposal and fuel costs. This fee encompasses residential waste collection services, including leaf and brush removal.
The budget reflects a spending increase of $3,481,913 across all funds, which translates to a 2.76% rise from the previous year. The budget achieves this without dipping into reserve funds, ensuring the town retains a surplus for future needs.
Wehrheim further detailed the town's investment plans: "In 2024 we will continue on our path forward to complete the total renovation of the Smithtown park system, expand upon open space preservation, tree planting & inventory efforts." He also mentioned the town's focus on broadening investments in critical infrastructure, including drainage and cybersecurity upgrades.
The budget also underscores increased support for community programs, particularly for seniors and youth. "Additionally, we have increased our support for Seniors and Youth with added programming such as the adaptive sports camp for children/young adults with special needs," Wehrheim added, highlighting the town's commitment to inclusive community development.
Despite the challenges of rising health insurance costs, NYS Retirement, and minimum wage increases, Wehrheim praised the administration's effort: "None of this happens without the commitment, hard work, and perseverance of this administration, department leadership, and the incredible employees who serve the people of Smithtown each day."
The 2024 Tentative Budget revenue sources include property taxes (50%), non-property tax items (23%), and departmental income (9%), among others. On the expenditure side, the budget is allocated towards salaries and wages (33%), employee benefits and taxes (24%), and contractual materials and supplies (34%).
While tackling the financial challenges, the Smithtown 2024 budget aims to ensure the continued improvement of the town's quality of life and infrastructure. The proposed salary increases for part-time town board members are part of this comprehensive financial plan, which aims to maintain a strong leadership team.