FARMINGVILLE, NY — Leaders from several Suffolk County towns met at Brookhaven Town Hall to discuss rising costs, solid-waste challenges and state policies they say are putting additional pressure on local governments and taxpayers.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico hosted the September 18 meeting with Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore, Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Smithtown Councilman Thomas W. Lohmann, Southold Town Supervisor Albert J. Krupski Jr., Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Brookhaven Councilman Neil A. Manzella and representatives from the New York Association of Towns.
According to the Town of Brookhaven, the discussion focused on several issues affecting municipalities across Long Island, including rising health-insurance and pension contributions, higher fuel and equipment costs, state funding opportunities through the Environmental Bond Act and the effect of unfunded state mandates on local taxpayers.
Solid-waste disposal was also a major topic. Brookhaven officials have previously warned that Long Island faces a growing waste-management challenge as disposal options become more limited, particularly with the planned closure of the Brookhaven Town Landfill. Town officials have argued that expanding rail capacity could be part of a longer-term regional solution.
Panico also raised concerns about state legislation that he said can diminish local control and impose policies that do not always reflect conditions on Long Island.
“Too often, we see a city-centric State Legislature advancing policies that may work for New York City but simply do not reflect the needs or realities of Long Island and towns throughout New York State,” Panico said.
He added that local officials need to work together on issues including unfunded mandates, rising municipal costs and home-rule authority.
The meeting also included discussion of a possible Long Island conference that would bring town officials together to address shared concerns and coordinate regional advocacy. No formal date or structure for that conference was announced.
The gathering reflects a broader effort among Suffolk municipalities to coordinate on issues that cross town boundaries, particularly waste disposal, infrastructure costs and state-local government relations.