Southampton Town Trustees Get Power To Set Their Own Budget and Tax Levy
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Southampton Town Councilman Bill Pell. DANA SHAW
Southampton Town Councilman Bill Pell. DANA SHAW
Michael Wright on Sep 25, 2024
The Southampton Town Trustees this week presented their first budget in centuries that will be funded via the 338-year-old board’s own tax line — a step toward independence and transparency... more
As Southampton Town considers aggressive action on sand mines, with plans to use amortization — a tool last used effectively to rid the town of nightclubs and bars the town considered nuisances — to finally end the practice, it’s important to cut through the rhetoric and state some facts. Sand mines serve a clear purpose and have economic value in a region where construction is a primary driver. But the town quite simply does not allow sand mining — that decision was made years ago, and what mines exist today are preexisting and nonconforming. Amortizing the properties is the last ...
11 Dec 2024 by Editorial Board
Talk is not a solution, but solutions won’t be found without a great deal of interplay between the officials making the decisions and the public that will be affected by them. So The Express Sessions event last week in Sag Harbor, which focused on the village’s parking woes, was, along with future public hearings before the Village Board, necessary for there to be any traction on the subject. In fact, one clear message at Thursday’s session, delivered by those in attendance: Communication is absolutely crucial. And it has been one area where the village can improve. Restaurateur Jesse Matsuoka, who ...
by Editorial Board
New legislation introduced by State Senator Monica Martinez will soon give paid first responders in Suffolk County the option to retire after 25 years of service, an enticement that could help address staffing shortages and boost recruitment of paid EMS workers. Service districts will be able to elect to include certain EMS personnel in the state pension plan. Originally approved in 2023, the plan was able to move forward thanks to a companion bill outlining a clear mechanism for fire districts to opt in. Governor Kathy Hochul’s signing of the new measure now establishes that process. “Serving your community as ...
by Cailin Riley
Bees Off to Solid Start In a rematch of last season’s Suffolk County Class D Championship, the Bridgehampton boys basketball team opened the season with a 52-30 victory at Smithtown Christian on Thursday, December 5. Jai Feaster led the Killer Bees’ offense with 24 points and Jaylin Harding scored 13 points in his Bridgehampton debut. On Monday, Bridgehampton had five different players score in double digits in its 61-57 home victory over Southold. Xavier Johnson’s 13 led the attack, and he also had five steals. Jaylin and Jordan Harding each scored 12 points and Feaster and Alex Davis each scored ...
by Staff Writer
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Michael Wright on Sep 25, 2024