Supervisor Ferretti presented the Town of Hempstead's preliminary 2026 budget on Oct. 16, saying it includes an 18% reduction in the general‑fund rate and a $5,000,000 cut in the town tax levy.

The comptroller, John Mastromarino, told the board the document covers 58 town funds the board controls and separately reports 14 independently operated special districts. Mastromarino said prior media coverage that combined those special-district levies with the town levy was incorrect and reiterated the town levy figures listed in the budget document.

The board voted to amend the preliminary budget to include estimated ending fund balances and to adopt the deputy supervisor's compensation as reflected in the document. The motions passed on recorded roll calls. The hearing was continued to 7:00 PM for additional public comment and final action.

Why it matters: The supervisor framed the proposal as immediate tax relief for every town resident because the planned reduction affects the general fund, which Mastromarino said is the only fund all residents pay into. Opponents and several public speakers argued the advertised "tax cut" relied heavily on drawing down reserves and that the budget document is opaque on operating‑expense increases.

Key details and public reaction: Supervisor Ferretti said the proposal "cuts taxes in the general fund by 18% resulting in a $5,000,000 cut to the tax levy," and later added, "We are cutting taxes $5,000,000." Comptroller Mastromarino clarified town levy totals and noted the 14 special districts are independently controlled and must be published in the book but are not part of the town's discretionary levy.

Several residents pressed the board about reserve use. The comptroller and supervisor acknowledged the budget projects using reserves and said historical practice has been to project conservatively and use less than projected; the transcript includes a stated projection of $56,000,000 in reserves for 2026. Critics said moving large sums from reserves risks future credit ratings and masks true operating increases.

Public speakers raised other issues the board may consider before final adoption: requests to expand LED stop signs at school crosswalks, calls for library staff training to assist unsheltered residents, questions about park operating increases, and requests for line‑item clarity on legal and animal‑shelter costs. Multiple speakers accused the administration of insufficient transparency in presenting the document and of sending mass mailers that they said looked like political campaigning funded with taxpayer dollars.

What happens next: The board continued the preliminary budget public hearing to 7:00 PM on Oct. 16 for further public comment and final votes. Any formal adoption or final changes will be reflected in the board's evening session and the published budget document on the town website.