BELLPORT, N.Y. — Residents gathered Monday evening for a South Country Civic Association community meeting that featured updates from Brookhaven Town Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Neil Foley, South Country Interim Superintendent of Schools John Dolan and local community representatives.
Foley discussed the different levels of government and focused on what responsibilities fall under the Town of Brookhaven, giving residents a clearer picture of which local issues are handled at the town level. Foley, who represents Brookhaven’s 5th Council District and also serves as deputy supervisor, then participated in a question-and-answer session with attendees.
Among the local issues discussed were road improvements and paving projects within the district. Foley also addressed town finances and highlighted Brookhaven’s record of staying within the tax cap. Brookhaven’s adopted 2026 budget came in below the New York State tax cap, with the town reporting a 1.71% increase for its major tax districts.
Foley told attendees that Brookhaven has distinguished itself among Suffolk County towns by not piercing the tax cap, emphasizing the town administration’s approach to controlling property-tax growth. That specific comparison was made by Foley during the meeting; Brookhaven’s official budget documents confirm the town remained under the state tax cap for 2026.
South Country Interim Superintendent John Dolan also addressed the gathering, speaking about the school district, its budget and issues affecting students and families. Dolan officially took over as interim superintendent for the 2026-27 school year following his appointment by the South Country Board of Education.
The meeting also included remarks from community officers and provided residents an opportunity to raise questions and discuss concerns affecting the South Country area.
The South Country Civic Association was formed to bring together residents and people who work within the South Country Central School District area, with its meetings intended to provide updates on local issues and give community members an opportunity to participate in discussions about the area’s future.