The East Hampton Town Board voted on November 20 to adopt the town’s 2026 budget, which they said strengthens the services residents rely on every day and supports families across all five hamlets.
This budget totals $110,671,552. For residents outside the incorporated villages, the budget results in a tax rate increase equal to $84 for the year for a home valued at $1.25 million.
Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said the intent throughout the budget process was to make sure residents feel the benefit of their local government in practical and meaningful ways.
“People want to know that their neighborhoods are safe, that their children have opportunities to grow, that they can access help when they need it, and that the Town is managing their tax dollars with care,” Burke-Gonzalez said. “This budget reflects those priorities and stays focused on what truly improves life for residents.”
Over 63% of the budget supports the Town workforce, according to the town board.
The budget includes seven new positions across critical departments: two harbormasters to its Marine Patrol, three new police officers and two groundskeepers. These additions represent nearly $500,000 in salaries.
“Every service that residents rely on begins with the people who deliver it. Supporting our workforce is how we ensure that roads get cleared, emergencies get answered, parks stay clean, and families have the help they need. This budget recognizes that commitment and strengthens it,” Burke-Gonzalez said.
In addition, the budget includes the expansion of the School Resource Officer program. Under the program, officers will provide classroom instruction, mentorship, and close coordination with school staff so that students receive guidance and support throughout the school year. The Town will also continue to fund early childhood education and after-school programs through the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center and Project MOST, including continued support for child care services in Montauk.
Funding for lifeguards and beach personnel also stayed in the budget. Burke-Gonzalez said this keeps residents and visitors safe and continues East Hampton’s youth training programs that give young people valuable skills and pathways to employment.
“Families are at the heart of this community,” Burke-Gonzalez said. “When we invest in childcare, after-school programs, beach safety, and opportunities for young people, we are investing in the future of East Hampton. These are the programs that shape lives, support parents, and keep our community strong.”
The budget also increases support for food programs at a time when many families are feeling financial pressure. The Montauk Community Nutrition Center and the Springs Food Pantry will receive additional assistance, and the Town will continue to provide funding for the Montauk Food Pantry and free space and utilities to the East Hampton Food Pantry.
There is also money in the budget for mental health services, recovery programs, crisis response, and domestic violence programs, as well as for English language instruction through Ruta 27 Programa de Inglés, Inc.
Quality of life for residents is strengthened through continued support for the YMCA RECenter, LTV, and the Montauk Playhouse. This year’s budget also provides $240,000 to assist the Montauk Playhouse with its first year of operation, helping ensure that this long-awaited community space begins serving the public with strong, stable support. The Town newsletter, launched this past summer, will continue to reach every home with clear updates on services, projects, and upcoming events.
The budget also includes funding for a sustainable landscaping initiative will help residents reduce pesticide use, conserve water, and create healthier landscapes that protect groundwater and support pollinators. By giving homeowners the tools to make environmentally responsible choices, Burke-Gonzalez said, the town is protecting the character and ecological health of East Hampton for the long term.
“Protecting our environment is not separate from supporting our residents,” she said. “Clean water, healthy landscapes, and resilient natural resources are essential to daily life here. This budget helps safeguard the natural beauty and health of East Hampton for the next generation.”
“This budget reflects what matters to our community,” Burke-Gonzalez continued. “Strong public safety. Support for families. Protection of our environment. Reliable services that residents count on. And a responsible approach to managing costs. I am proud of what this budget delivers for the people of East Hampton.”