News Flash • East Hampton Town Proposes 2026 Tentative Budge

The Town of East Hampton today released its 2026 Tentative Budget, a $109,910,500 spending plan that reflects the community’s shared priorities: protecting the environment and natural resources, keeping residents safe, supporting families, creating opportunities for young people, and ensuring open and transparent government.

“A budget is a reflection of our values as a community. In East Hampton, those values are clear. We protect our beaches, our open space, and the natural resources that make this place unique. We expand access to childcare, recreation, and wellness services so families can thrive. And we help those who are struggling, ensuring that no neighbor is left behind. This budget carries those values forward. It shows that when we work together, we care for one another, preserve what we cherish, and build a community where every resident feels they belong,” said Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez.

Nearly 63 percent of the budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits. It provides contractually required salary increases, as well as seven regrades and 19 promotions. Seven new positions are created, including two Harbormasters, three Police Officers, and two Groundskeepers, strengthening marine safety, expanding law enforcement capacity, and caring for parks and public spaces.

“The people who make up our Town workforce are not just employees; they are our neighbors and friends. They are the ones plowing the roads, keeping our beaches safe, responding to emergencies, and helping families with services. This budget recognizes their contributions with fair pay, promotions, and new positions where the need is greatest. By investing in them, we are investing in the quality of life that every resident counts on,” Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez said.

The 2026 Tentative Budget strengthens public safety by expanding the School Resource Officer program. Officers serve as teachers, mentors, and trusted partners for students and school staff, while also providing peace of mind for parents. In addition, the budget invests $1,370,000 in lifeguards and beach personnel, continuing East Hampton’s nationally respected lifeguard training pipeline that provides lifesaving protection and youth employment.

“Every parent deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their child’s school is safe. That is why this budget expands the School Resource Officer program. These officers teach, they mentor, and they help prevent problems before they start. This investment is about giving kids a safe place to learn, strengthening the bonds between young people and law enforcement, and protecting the next generation,” Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez said.

The budget continues support for community organizations that extend the reach of Town government. Funding is increased for food programs, with $150,000 for the Montauk Community Nutrition Center and $40,000 for the Springs Food Pantry, along with continued support for the Montauk Food Pantry. The Town also provides the East Hampton Food Pantry with free space on the Town Hall campus and covers their utility costs. Childcare programs, wellness services, mental health and substance abuse support, English education for Spanish speaking residents, and domestic violence prevention are also funded, including the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, Project MOST, Family Service League, Phoenix House, The Retreat, and Ruta 27 Programa de Inglés, Inc.

“When families face challenges, we rise to meet them. This budget includes funding for food pantries so parents can put meals on the table. It supports childcare centers that working families depend on, invests in organizations that provide counseling, and recovery services, and assists our immigrant neighbors with programs that open doors to opportunity. These organizations extend the reach of Town government and strengthen the fabric of our community. Their work embodies who we are as East Hampton, a place where neighbors care for neighbors,” Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez said.

The 2026 Tentative Budget also invests in transparency and sustainability. It provides $46,000 to continue the quarterly newsletter launched this summer, ensuring every household receives updates on Town projects, services, and events. It allocates $30,000 for a sustainable landscaping education program that promotes native plants, pollinator health, reduced irrigation, and less pesticide use. Investments also include $590,000 for the YMCA RECenter, which serves residents of all ages, and $750,000 for LTV, which broadcasts public meetings, provides emergency information, and preserves local culture.

“Good government is about trust and accountability. With the quarterly newsletter we launched this summer, every household now has a direct connection to Town Hall. This budget continues that commitment to transparency, while also investing in sustainable landscaping education to protect groundwater, reduce pesticide use, and support pollinators. Alongside our support for the YMCA, LTV, and recreation programs, these investments show that East Hampton is planning not only for today, but for the health and strength of our community for generations to come,” Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez said.

The $109,910,500 spending plan results in a 5.78 percent tax rate increase for residents outside the villages. For a home valued at $1,250,000, that is about $84 more in annual Town taxes. The Town drew on a portion of fund balance to help reduce this impact while protecting reserves for the future and continues to hold an Aaa credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service.

“Budgets are reflections of who we are. This one supports working families and invests in the people and programs residents count on every day. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the path ahead,” Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez said.