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Mineola board approves 2026–27 budget with 1.95% tax-levy increase
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Summary
The Village Board approved the tentative 2026–27 budget with a $291,064 tax-levy increase (1.95%), citing higher revenues from parking, permits and mortgage taxes but offset by mandated pension and insurance cost increases; the board also adopted routine administrative resolutions and personnel actions.
The Village Board approved the tentative 2026–27 budget on a unanimous roll-call vote, adopting a tax-levy increase of $291,064, or 1.95%, and keeping the levy below the 2% tax cap.
The vote came after a presentation by Mr. Chacon, the budget officer, who outlined revenue gains — including higher pilot payments (+$65,000), street parking (+$100,000), building permits (+$50,000), fines (+$175,000), garage permit sales (+$100,000) and a $36,956 increase in state temporary municipal assistance — and expense pressures from rising pension contributions (about $100,000) and higher health and medical insurance costs (about $160,000). Chacon said these changes produce a net levy increase of $291,064 while keeping the village under the statutory or administrative 2% cap.
The mayor framed the levy increase as modest for most homeowners, emphasizing that village services (snow removal, sanitation, parks, pool, fire and library) rely on this portion of the tax bill. Deputy Mayor Sartori and other trustees praised staff work to maximize non-tax revenues and to limit cuts to services.
After opening the public-comment portion of the hearing, the mayor reported no speakers were present and the board proceeded to a motion to approve the budget. Deputy Mayor Sartori moved the budget, Trustee Casado seconded, and the motion passed on a roll-call with the members present voting in favor.
Votes at a glance - Motion to adopt the 2026–27 tentative budget (1.95% levy increase): Moved by Deputy Mayor Sartori; seconded by Trustee Casado; outcome: approved on roll-call (members present voted yes). - Resolution adopting homestead adjusted base proportion for tax year 2027: approved unanimously. - Alternate side parking on White Road (school-year hours): approved. - Engineering services for inspection of two water storage tanks (D&B Engineers, $5,800): approved. - Personnel: benefit payouts for Sean McCrae and Eric Richter and hire of Karen Shiriki (justice court cashier, start 05/07/2026, $51,400): all approved.
Why it matters The village’s budget sets the local share of property taxes for municipal services residents use daily. Officials said much of the levy growth stems from mandated or market-driven cost increases that the village cannot control, while efforts to increase revenue from parking and permits helped limit the levy to below the cap.
What’s next The resolutions approved at the meeting take immediate administrative effect as recorded; staff will proceed with the contract work and personnel onboarding authorized by the board.
