Babylon board votes on budget next week
Residents protested a 6% tax increase and a $36,000 pay bump for Supervisor Rich Schaffer at a Thursday hearing.
By Yuki Melnyk ·
The Babylon Town board will vote on the proposed 2027 budget at 3 p.m. on Nov. 18. The draft plan increases the tax burden for the average homeowner by $114, raising the annual cost from $1,920 to $2,034. It also raises the salary of Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer by $36,320, a 29.3% increase that brings his pay to $160,000.
More than three dozen residents spoke during a public hearing on Thursday afternoon. Many criticized the nearly 6% tax hike and the salary increases for Schaffer, the tax receiver, the clerk, and council members. The town attributes the tax increase primarily to rising health insurance and pension costs. Officials estimate insurance expenses will rise by approximately $1.7 million, while pension costs will increase by $664,509.
Speakers focused heavily on Schaffer’s pay raise. Karen Scribner of Babylon called the increases "unheard of" compared to the 3% or 4% raises typical for residents. Jackie Burbridge of Copiague referenced the FBI and state attorney general investigations into Schaffer’s conduct as chair of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee. Dave Fekete of Deer Park questioned why Schaffer needs more money given his roles as a private attorney and party leader.
Shirley Proefriedt of West Babylon described the tax burden as outrageous while services declined, citing missing traffic signs and inadequate snow removal. Anne Morea of Babylon Village, a senior on a fixed income, stated that the proposed raises were unfair given the current economic conditions. Neither Schaffer nor other council members answered questions from the crowd, a standard practice for these hearings.
Schaffer told reporters after the meeting that the board would consider all comments, including those received via letters and emails throughout October. He noted that his salary would rank fourth among western Suffolk County towns if the increase is approved. The board will decide on his pay in January. Schaffer stated he would not vote on his own salary and acknowledged that the tax increase adds pressure during a period of high inflation.
