The proposed budget for the village of Floral Park primarily encompasses programs and services that are necessities for residents in the age of coronavirus.
The village board of trustees originally planned to include funds for new initiatives and hiring additional personnel, but in light of the financial strain that the coronavirus pandemic has placed on the community, these items have been put on hold.
“This year’s budget process has been heavily influenced by the recent Coronavirus outbreak and its effects on the local economy and the economy as a whole,” said Mayor Dominick Longobardi in a statement released Tuesday.
In the current budget draft, the tax rate increase is 0.66 percent.
The proposed tax levy increase is 0.98 percent, well below the 2.2 percent limit under state law.
If the budget passes, the average Floral Park homeowner with property assessed at $38,753 will pay an additional $35 per year for village services in the 2020–2021 fiscal year, which amounts to a $2.92 monthly increase from last year, Longobardi said. The average homeowner would owe $5,388 in taxes.
“The budget is cognizant of the current and possible future economy,” he said. “The increase represents normal increases in the services currently provided to our residents. It also represents changes in our programs, operations and personnel that have established real efficiencies over the past year.”
The board held a public meeting Tuesday at 8 p.m. via Zoom. Longobardi emphasized that the Public Works Department remains fully functioning at this time.
Trustee Lynn Pombonyo announced that preliminary planning for summer recreational sports is underway.
The third track project is still moving forward and a sound barrier was just constructed behind two houses on Charles Street, trustee Archie T. Cheng said.
The building department is still issuing permits, and the village has extended permit expirations, given that non-essential construction is halted under state mandate, said Trustee Frank J. Chiara.
Residents can access the budget proposal at www.fpvillage.org.
The board will present the proposed budget on Wednesday, April 15, at 8 p.m. at the Village Hall. The public will be able to participate in the hearing remotely.
