Town of Babylon proposes 5.8% tax hike; Supervisor takes pay cut amid resident backlash

The tax bills are just crazy. Joseph Preventi from Deer Park says the cost of everything is going up these days. He says the town of Babylon's proposed 5.8% tax hike is too much to handle. The budget would pierce the state's 2% tax cap. I was born and raised here all my life, You're taxing me out of it. I think that's wrong. and now I have to leave my town Officials say the average town tax bill would go up by about $113 next year. For village residents, it's about $74. because... We are experiencing the same difficulties that all other towns are. Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaefer says pensions and employee health care costs make up the majority of the increase. We understand the economy and the way things are, but we felt it was important to present an honest budget that was going to be The tax hike was originally going to be a bit higher because the budget included raises for the town supervisor and other elected officials. But those raises have since been removed, and the town supervisor will wind up taking a $3,700 pay cut instead. Residents spoke against the proposed tax hike at a hearing last week. Many are frustrated because the town also pierced the tax cap in 2024 and 2025. Why are we doing it? You're supposed to only pierce the cap occasionally, not every two years. Town officials say they plan to stay within the tax cap in 2028 and 2029. In Babylon, Suffolk County, Kevin Vesey, News 12. Well, the town board is expected to vote on next year's budget on Wednesday.