Riverhead Town Board approves 2026 budget: Nov. 18 meeting wrap-up

The Town Board voted Tuesday night to pierce the state-mandated 2% property tax levy cap and adopt the 2026 town budget.

Board members said rising costs, especially for public safety and insurance, left them little choice. The supervisor and several council members pointed to recent improvements in police staffing and crime reduction as justification for the spending plan.

The board unanimously adopted the required local law authorizing it to  override the tax cap and then unanimously adopted the $121.1 million 2026 budget. 

The adopted budget calls for a 7.74% increase in the townwide tax levy,  resulting in a townwide tax rate of  $71.549 per $1,000 of assessed value — up from $67.031 per $1,000. That’s an increase of $4.518 per $1,000 of assessed value. Assessed value in Riverhead Town is roughly 8% of market value. 

Short-term rental enforcement hearing draws strong turnout

A lengthy public hearing on proposed changes to the town’s short-term rentals code which are aimed at enhancing the town’s ability to enforce the code. 

See: Town considers new tools to curb short-term rentals amid growing concerns

Vail-Leavitt Theater designation

The board voted 4-1 to designate the Jazz Loft as the “qualified and eligible sponsor” for the purchase and redevelopment of the town-owned Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. Council Member Kern cast the lone no vote, raising concerns about the scope of renovations, cost estimates and long-term financial viability. 

See: Board votes to sell historic Riverhead theater amid rare public dispute between two council members

Anti-litter committee members recognized

At the start of the meeting, board members and residents recognized the volunteer work of the anti-litter committee, North Fork Environmental Council and Rotary Club in their work to keep Riverhead clean, which includes twice-yearly townwide cleanups and the placement of “litter critter” creative recycling receptacles at town recreation facilities.

In other action Tuesday night, the Town Board:

• Promoted Police Detective Daniel Hogan to the rank of detective grade II.

• Appointed Stamintina Boulier as Town Board coordinator.

• Ratified resignations in the code enforcement division and the Riverhead Water District and authorized recruitment to fill vacancies.

• Approved permits for upcoming community events, including the Riverhead Lions Club Christmas parade and holiday festival on Dec. 6.Authorized appraisals connected with tax grievance litigation and town property management.

• Extended an agreement allowing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to access monitoring equipment at the Wading River boat ramp.