Tax Freeze after Three Consecutive Years of Tax Cuts
Supervisor Jennifer DeSena announced the submission of the Town of North Hempstead’s tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026 at a special Town Board meeting held on October 6. The proposed $138 million spending plan freezes taxes after three consecutive years of tax cuts with no reduction to services. DeSena said this budget continues the town’s focus on public safety, infrastructure, and upholds strong fiscal management.
“This budget process really sets the tone for the entire year,” said DeSena. “It lets us thoroughly review operations and explore ways to streamline them. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team. We approach everything we do with a taxpayer-first mindset, and that’s led to real savings without sacrificing services.”
The tentative budget’s submission marks the first step in the annual budgeting process, as town law requires the town clerk to formally present the proposed budget to the town board at a special meeting each October. A town board work session is scheduled for October 16 at 10 a.m., when the board will discuss changes and accept it as a preliminary budget.
A public hearing will then follow on October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 200 Plandome Road, Manhasset, at which time the Board will vote on adopting a final budget.
In addition to a tax freeze, the DeSena administration is estimating a nearly $4 million operating surplus for Fiscal Year 2025 in the General Fund. Additionally, the town’s general fund is estimated to have an amount equal to 36% of the 2026 budget in reserves at year-end 2025 (Town policy requires 10%). DeSena credited her senior staff, department heads, and budget team for their continued commitment to delivering results without raising taxes.
Key components of North Hempstead’s 2026 tentative budget include:
- No increase in the general fund taxes for the fourth straight year
- No cuts in programs and services
- No increase in personnel
- A reduction in long-term debt service costs in the general fund
- Mandated increases include contractual labor costs, insurance, tort liability, and utility increases
The 2026 tentative budget continues a successful fiscal approach that, over the past four years, has saved taxpayers a combined 22% while maintaining full services and producing consistent annual operating surpluses.
Residents can view the full tentative budget online at www.northhempsteadny.gov/budget2026 or get copies in person at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.