Port Jefferson keeps property taxes flat

Village taxes will stay the same for Port Jefferson residents next year.

The board of trustees adopted a 2016-17 budget on Wednesday night that will not increase the property tax rate, despite the total spending plan going up about $300,000.

Next year’s $10.6 million budget will make up that difference largely through other revenues, such as an expected increase in mortgage taxes, which are paid to a local government when mortgages are recorded. Treasurer Dave Smollett said during a public hearing on April 13 that even estimating those other revenues conservatively, the village will be able to maintain all that it offers to residents.

“We are not going to compromise those services,” Smollett said.

Following the treasurer’s budget presentation, just before the board unanimously approved the spending plan, Mayor Margot Garant said she was pleased with the budget and was “looking forward to a good year.”

“I’m feeling very optimistic and confident,” she said.

Although the tax levy will increase slightly next year, the assessed value of the entire village has increased as well, keeping the property tax rate at the same level it is in the current budget cycle: $27.51 for every $100 of assessed value on a home.