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Controversy on staffing changes as board approves position‑resolution; Lupinacci objects and later abstains on budget amendments
Summary
The Town Board approved a positions resolution that will restructure some 2025 budgeted positions and later adopted two late‑starter budget amendments; Councilwoman Lupinacci protested on the record that the changes eliminate her legislative staff and tried to table the matter.
HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — The Town Board adopted a comprehensive resolutions package that includes a positions resolution affecting 2025 operating budgeted positions and later approved two late‑starter budget amendments. The votes prompted an on‑record protest from Councilwoman Lupinacci, who said she and her legislative staff learned of the changes only shortly before the meeting.
Council members approved Resolution 2025‑71 (authorizing the controller to amend the 2025 operating budget to reflect staffing changes and reorganization). Councilwoman Lupinacci said the first she’d heard of the planned staffing changes was via her legislative aide and that the practical effect would be the elimination of her legislative staff. She called the measure an “attempt to crush my ability to do my job” and said she would vote no if it proceeded.
Lupinacci moved to table the positions resolution; that motion was defeated. The board then proceeded with the measure; the transcript records a roll‑call sequence indicating the resolution passed with a majority and that Lupinacci voted in the negative.
Later in the meeting the board considered two late‑starter budget amendments (Resolutions 2025‑105 and 2025‑106) authorizing the comptroller to amend the 2025 operating budget for the Information Technology department and the Department of General Services, respectively. Both late additions were adopted; each vote recorded an abstention by Councilwoman Lupinacci (resolutions adopted with 4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention).
Why it matters: Elected officials’ legislative staff assist with constituent services, policy research and day‑to‑day functions. Significant changes to those positions and to the town’s organizational structure can affect how elected officials serve residents and raise questions about process and notice.
What’s next: Councilwoman Lupinacci said she will seek further review and asked the board to delay consideration; the board proceeded and the measures carried. Lupinacci indicated she would vote no on the positions resolution and abstained on two later budget amendments.
Direct quotations appear in the transcript from Lupinacci noting she had not been consulted and that staff could reapply for civil‑service roles, while town leaders said the changes create a consolidated, civil‑service‑based approach to constituent services.
