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Islip board approves midyear pay increases for town clerk and tax receiver after tense debate
Summary
The Islip Town Board voted 3–2 to grant midyear raises to the elected town clerk and receiver of taxes amid objections about fiscal timing and prior raises; the supervisor said increases will be included in next year’s budget if not now.
The Town of Islip Board approved a midyear salary increase for two elected officials — the town clerk and the receiver of taxes — after a contentious discussion about timing and precedent.
The measure, brought to a vote during a public hearing on amendments to town salary and compensation rules, passed 3–2. The motion to adopt the resolution was recorded as "Motion by Councilman Lorenzo, second by Councilman McElway," and the roll call produced three yes votes and two no votes, with the supervisor voting against granting the increases midyear.
Supporters said the elected officials are underpaid and that a raise would help retain skilled staff. "They are elected officials. ... They are underpaid," a council member in favor said during debate, urging the board to recognize their work and avoid losing experienced employees. Another council member framed the issue as corrective: "They have not had an increase for many years," the speaker said.
Opponents argued that midyear increases are fiscally imprudent while the town manages unexpected expenses. The supervisor repeatedly stated that salary adjustments normally belong in the supervisor’s budget process and said: "I will commit to increasing those salaries" in the next year’s budget rather than making a midcycle change. The supervisor also cited a roughly $4 million unanticipated garbage contract increase and higher overtime costs from an unusually rough winter as reasons to avoid midyear amendments.
Board members pressed each other over prior raises for administrative staff. One council member asked why raises were given to some administrators during the budget season last year, and the board discussed whether those earlier actions were coordinated or recorded with public notice.
Procedural history: the board considered a motion to table and reserve decision pending more information; that tabling motion failed. After further discussion, the motion to approve the midyear increases was called and carried by a 3–2 vote.
What happens next: The supervisor said she will include an increase for both offices in the proposed supervisor’s budget for the coming fiscal year. The board did not rescind the approval; the resolution stands as adopted.
