Previously Published in The Messenger
By Madison Warren
Last Thursday at Islip Town Hall, the 2026 budget was presented for a public hearing.
On November 6, the Town of Islip proposed a $289 million budget for the upcoming year — a $10.5 million increase from the 2025 budget plan. The primary reason for the considerable rise is the cost of newly negotiated employee union contracts, which have been in development for some time.
If adopted, the 2026 Town of Islip budget would result in an estimated $72.77 tax increase for the average household – roughly $6 per month per household. The proposal would also require the Town to exceed its state-imposed 2.1% tax cap by roughly $8.8 million, a move many say is necessary. The plan underscores the Town’s challenge of balancing infrastructure investments and workforce expenses while minimizing the financial impact on residents.
The Town also notes that the budget increases reflect inflation, declining interest income, and a 75% increase in insurance premiums.
“To remain compliant with the State’s tax cap, we would have needed to eliminate nearly $8.8 million from the budget,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) in a statement. “Doing so would have required significant reductions to staff and essential services – something we are working hard to avoid.”
According to the Town, cutting that $8.8 million from the budget 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.” The Town also notes that in the “most extreme case”, up to sixty full-time employees, about 7% of the overall 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,” said Carpenter in a release. “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.”
Joe Ludwig, Comptroller of Islip, spoke to the Council about the budget and why it is so vital to the union workers.
“Half of that [$10.5 million gap from 2025 to 2026] is basically just from the white- and blue-collar contracts. And while that sounds like a lot, you all have to remember that in the early 2000s or so, blue- and white-collar jobs were frozen for six years,” said Ludwig. “That means no steps, no raise, nothing. So, back in the early 90’s, this town was amongst the better paid townships on the island, but we have significantly dropped over the last thirty years.”
To further his point, he added, “We have had significant trouble retaining, attracting, and keeping employees who can actually do the things we need to do in the town.”
Supervisor Carpenter stated to the room, “In light of the challenges that we face, we have a workforce that I believe is second-to-none, and we need to address the problem that we inherited years ago.”
United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU) President Kevin Boyle, Jr. told The Messenger that, after more than a year of challenging negotiations, the union is incredibly proud to have secured a contract that meets members’ immediate needs and sets a strong foundation for the future.
The new seven-year agreement, effective retroactive to January 1, 2025, enhances recruitment and retention by increasing starting pay and expanding the salary schedule with additional steps. The early years of the contract include a 3% salary increase, plus step advancements, with slightly higher percentages in later years. Boyle credited the dedication of the bargaining teams and praised the Town of Islip for working collaboratively to reach a deal supported by both blue- and white-collar units. Despite the difficulties, at the end of the day, Boyle, along with his team, wants everyone to be happy to be a Town of Islip Union Worker.
“This contract represents stability and respect for the employees who keep the Town of Islip running every day,” Boyle said.
Although the Town Board approved new union contracts, the council voted against formally authorizing the override of the state’s tax cap in a 3-2 vote. Under State law, however, if the Town of Islip does not adopt an alternative plan within the coming weeks, the proposed 2026 budget will take effect automatically.
Councilman John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville) told The Messenger that while he voted against the operational budget, his decision was rooted in a desire for more collaboration in the Town’s budgeting process—not opposition to the workers themselves. He emphasized that he has long advocated for new revenue opportunities and greater input from board members in financial planning and contract decisions.
“I 100% support the workers in this town,” Lorenzo said. “The contracts are good contracts for both the town workers and the town itself, and I’ve always been 100% behind them.”
As Islip officials navigate the coming weeks, the outcome of the 2026 budget will determine how the town balances long-term financial stability with the pressing need to invest in its workforce and infrastructure. Regardless of the procedural outcome, the discussion underscored a shared commitment among board members and union leaders to strengthen the services that residents rely on every day.