East Hampton Board of Finance schedules June 22 special meeting after budget referendum defeat; board weighs using $600,000 projected surplus

Chairman Anthony Spagnoletti opened discussion on adjustments to the 2026–27 budgets after voters rejected the Town and Board of Education budgets and a Middle School paving referendum on June 2.

Jeffery Jylkka, the town's director of finance, told the board that tax collections, investment income and fees are tracking higher than estimated and that the town is projected to finish FY2026 with a $600,000 positive variance. He cautioned that the figure is a projection and not yet guaranteed, and recommended caution if members decide to rely on it for ongoing spending.

Board members discussed options including shifting one-time expenses to the surplus, asking departments to seek additional efficiencies, and modest reductions to each budget. Public-facing concerns about affordability were raised: Ted Turner said voters may have misunderstood the paving project's timing and funding, while others debated whether voters want spending cuts or relief in the mill rate.

Several public commenters urged protecting specific programs. Residents including Haley Guite and Cristal Chan asked that the Bellringer and Smart Start preschool programs not be cut; Kim Crabbe and Cindy Craig asked that a proposed full-time senior-center position be retained. The board did not act on personnel or program cuts at this meeting.

With no concrete figures on how much of the projected surplus to use, Alison Walck moved to table the budget discussion and schedule a special meeting on June 22 to continue deliberations and make a recommendation to Town Council; Daniel Finn seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

Procedural votes taken during the meeting were unanimous: the agenda was adopted and the May 18 minutes were approved 7-0. No final budget or mill-rate decision was made; the special meeting was scheduled to finalize recommendations.