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Southampton adopts 2026 budget after public questions about rising health costs
Summary
The Township Committee adopted the 2026 municipal budget on April 21, 2026; Administrator Parker Umba answered resident questions about health insurance increases, employee counts, retiree costs and vehicle purchases before the budget passed by roll call vote.
The Southampton Township Committee adopted its 2026 municipal budget at the April 21 regular meeting following a public hearing and questions from residents.
Township Administrator Parker McCay Brandon Umba presented a PowerPoint overview of the introduced budget. Resident Caryn Hargrave questioned an increase in health‑care costs and how many employees are covered. Umba said the plan covers 16 full‑time employees with a Chapter 78 contribution totaling $698,518.93 in 2026; by contrast, last year’s contribution was $530,988.62 for 17 employees. He said 17 retirees are on the plan and retiree costs rose from $318,045.39 last year to $401,815.15 this year. Umba stated the health‑care waiver amount is $1,500.
Hargrave also asked whether the pickup trucks listed in the capital budget would be used vehicles to save money; Umba said the pickups would be new, that grant funding would help with the purchases, and that the Township intends to procure through state contract to obtain favorable pricing. Resident Lilah Meyers asked whether the Township had considered a Health Reimbursement Arrangement; Umba said the option has been reviewed but would require renegotiation of the public works contract to implement additional plans.
After public comment closed, the Committee adopted Resolution 2026‑43 to adopt the 2026 budget as presented. The roll call vote recorded affirmative votes from Committeemen Arnold Harrison and Ronald Heston, Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Rossell and Mayor William Raftery.
The budget vote concludes the formal introduction and adoption process; any grant awards or vehicle purchases mentioned remain subject to grant availability, contract procurement rules and any required bid processes.
