Mineola treasurer presents 2025–26 budget with 1.81% proposed tax levy increase

Treasurer John Chacon presented the Village of Mineola’s proposed 2025–26 budget at the board’s April 2 meeting, saying the plan keeps the tax-levy increase below the state cap while proposing several revenue and expense adjustments.

Chacon told the board the proposed budget increases pilot revenue by $35,000 (reflecting 155 First Street and 205 East Second Street) and would raise interest income by $185,000 to reflect market rates. Building-permit revenue is projected to increase by $100,000 because of anticipated commercial permits, and fines and forfeitures are budgeted $100,000 higher due to full staffing in the parking department. He also noted a $28,000 increase tied to Harrison Avenue Garage revenue after NYU Langone Hospital purchased 50 additional parking spots, bringing its total to 300.

The treasurer identified several expense pressures: a combined increase of $81,005 in liability and fire insurance tied to new buildings and market conditions; a $75,000 rise in pension costs because the New York State Retirement System contribution rate is changing; and a $140,000 increase in health insurance driven by 7–10% rate changes. "We're looking to increase that line by 185,000," Chacon said of interest income; he also summarized other line changes during his presentation.

Chacon said the proposed tax-levy increase is $265,385, which he calculated as 1.81%—below New York State’s 2% property-tax cap. He presented the village’s overall budget size as roughly $25 million to $26 million and said the village expects about $15 million from the tax levy, with the remainder from fees, fines and other revenues. When board members sought rough totals, Chacon replied in the meeting: "we raise about 15,000,000." The board cautioned that some figures (for example, exact grant reimbursements) remain subject to final accounting.

Board members and officials highlighted recent grant awards and one-time funding that have helped reduce near-term pressure on the levy. Chacon and other officials listed recent awards the village has secured: $2,750,000 from the Long Island Railroad third-track community benefits fund (used in part for a Wilson Park turf field), $1,133,000 from a pro-housing capital improvements grant for the community center, $4,500,000 from Empire State Development's New York Forward program, and smaller awards from Nassau County (including $366,000 in ARPA funds and $50,000 for first-responder equipment). The village also noted a $250,000 grant for Wilson Park improvements.

Trustees praised the administration’s work to contain increases. Trustee Salasco told Chacon, "This is not an easy job. . . . I think it's wonderful." Deputy Mayor Sartore and other board members emphasized aggressive grant-seeking and operational changes — including retirements and strategic hiring — that have helped contain costs. Chacon credited the building and parking departments’ revenue efforts, pointing to the hospital parking contract as an example of new, recurring income: "we're gonna be at 30,000 guaranteed every month from NYU Langone."

Chacon said the village has benefited from one-time federal and state funding in recent years but noted those sources have ended or are finite (he specifically referenced ARPA funds as ended). He recommended continued pursuit of grants and reiterated that some large capital projects — notably the pool, firehouse and community center work — will require additional resources beyond single grants.

The board scheduled a public budget hearing next week where residents can review copies of the proposed budget and ask questions. Chacon and staff will be available at that hearing to provide more detailed line-item clarification.