ISLIP, NY – November 12, 2025 Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter has announced the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting a careful balance between maintaining essential services, supporting Town employees, and managing rising costs due to inflation and statewide economic pressures.

The total Town budget is projected to increase from $278.5 million to $288.9 million, representing a modest 3.71% increase. The majority of this increase stems from the newly adopted employee contracts and the related costs of health and retirement benefits, both of which are expected to rise by approximately 10%.

To continue delivering high-quality services across the General, Highway, and Part Town funds, the Town is proposing an increase of an average of $72.77 per household annually, or roughly $6 per month. This modest increase will help the Town sustain vital services, from road maintenance to recreation, while addressing rising costs.

Town officials note that the budget increase also reflects the impacts of inflation, declining interest income, and a 75% increase in insurance premiums. Despite these challenges, the Town remains committed to financial transparency and long-term stability.

"To remain compliant with the state's tax cap, we would have needed to eliminate nearly $8.8 million from the budget," said Supervisor Carpenter. "Doing so would have required significant reductions to staff and essential services—something we are working hard to avoid."

If the Town were forced to make such reductions, it would mean delaying long-planned infrastructure improvements, reducing or eliminating part-time positions that support recreation and community programs, and cutting overtime for public safety and service departments. In the most extreme case, up to 60 full-time employees, approximately 7% of the workforce, could be affected.

"While we continue to seek efficiencies and creative solutions, this budget represents a responsible path forward that preserves the services residents rely on every day," Supervisor Carpenter added. "We're investing in our employees, maintaining public safety, and ensuring that our Town remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family."