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Board raises concerns about matching funds for Bay Constable pump‑out boat CPF grant
Summary
The board discussed Resolution 2026‑0906 to authorize a Community Preservation Fund match for a clean‑vessel assistance program to support the Bay Constable’s pump‑out boat. The Supervisor warned the town lacks a process to reserve the roughly $400,000 match and said accepting grants without committed match could force borrowing or declining grants.
The Southampton Town Board discussed a resolution to authorize a funding match for a Community Preservation Fund (CPF) water‑quality project to support the Bay Constable’s pump‑out boat.
Supervisor introduced Resolution 2026‑0906 (cosponsored by council members Iasili and Pell) to authorize a funding match for a clean‑vessel assistance program. At the meeting the Supervisor said the grant would require a town match and emphasized the board needs a process to identify matching funds before accepting time‑sensitive grants.
“If we get the grant, we’re gonna need the match,” the Supervisor said, pressing for clarity on how the town would provide matching funds. The Supervisor noted the grant opportunity had a compressed timeline and said staff should coordinate with the Supervisor’s office and other departments to determine whether the town can commit the matching funds.
Why it matters: CPF water‑quality projects and clean‑vessel assistance programs can improve environmental outcomes in local waters, but accepting an external grant often requires a locally funded match. The Supervisor told members that without an agreed process the town could be forced to decline grants or borrow funds that had not been budgeted.
Board members asked to be added as sponsors and discussed timing: Dorothy (staff) will return Monday to the board to review details before the board commits to the match. The Supervisor characterized the issue as a governance/process matter — not a question of the project’s merit — and asked staff to firm up procedures for deciding when to set aside match funds.
Next steps: The resolution remained on the agenda; staff will follow up with additional budget details and a recommendation before the board takes final action.
