EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. — East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez has released a proposed $118.9 million budget for 2027, laying out increased spending across Town services while acknowledging that the plan would exceed New York State’s property-tax levy cap.
The tentative budget totals $118,910,330, a 7.44% increase over the Town’s adopted 2026 budget. Under the proposal, the Town tax rate is projected to increase 6.27% outside incorporated villages and 7.04% inside the villages. (East Hampton)
For a home with an estimated market value of approximately $1.33 million, Town officials estimate the annual Town tax increase at about $97 outside the incorporated villages and $46 within the villages. (East Hampton)
Burke-Gonzalez said the spending increase reflects growing demand for Town services as well as higher operating costs. According to the Town, East Hampton’s year-round population has increased approximately 37% since 2010, while expenses including health insurance, utilities, fuel, insurance and materials have continued to climb. (East Hampton)
A significant share of the proposed budget would continue going toward personnel. Salaries and employee benefits account for roughly $73 million, or 61.4% of the operating budget. Town employees represented by CSEA are scheduled to receive a 5% contractual wage increase in 2027, the final year of the current agreement. (East Hampton)
One of the larger departmental increases is directed toward the Building Department. Funding would rise from approximately $1.8 million to $2.5 million, an increase of roughly $730,000. The Town says the department has expanded from 10 employees in 2025 to 19 authorized positions. (East Hampton)
Public safety would receive approximately $29.37 million across the Police Department, Marine Patrol, Juvenile Aid Bureau and public-safety communications system. Another $6.75 million is proposed for beaches, parks and recreation. (East Hampton)
The proposal also includes more than $2.3 million for senior nutrition, transportation, in-home services and Programs for the Aging. Housing and Community Development funding from the General Fund would increase from roughly $438,000 to $606,000. (East Hampton)
Environmental spending remains another substantial component. Approximately $2.62 million is proposed for Natural Resources, Aquaculture, Land Management and the Town Trustees. Separate Community Preservation Fund spending includes $3.5 million for septic-system rebates and $2.5 million for water-quality improvement grants. (East Hampton)
The proposal comes as East Hampton continues dealing with an ongoing drinking-water investigation involving PFPrA and other PFAS compounds near the Buckskill Road wellfield. The Town says three of four affected Suffolk County Water Authority wells were removed from service, while state and county agencies continue investigating the source and extent of the contamination. (East Hampton)
The budget remains tentative and must go through the Town’s budget process before becoming the final 2027 spending plan.