Babylon residents face $114 tax hike and supervisor salary jump in 2027 budget draft

Homeowners in Babylon Town would see their property tax bills rise by $114 next year under a preliminary 2027 budget presented Thursday. The proposal increases the average annual tax burden from $1,920 to $2,034, a jump of nearly 6 percent. Town officials attribute the increase primarily to rising costs for employee health insurance and pension contributions.

The draft budget also includes a salary increase for Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. His pay would rise from $123,680 to $160,000, a 29.3 percent increase. The document also proposes pay bumps for the tax receiver, clerk, and council members. Schaffer’s current salary was already higher than his 2025 pay of $119,497.

More than three dozen residents spoke at the public hearing, many criticizing the salary hikes for elected officials. Karen Scribner, a resident of Babylon, questioned the disparity between official raises and those received by regular workers. "I just don’t understand how someone can give themselves a 29% raise," Scribner said, noting that many residents receive increases of only 3 or 4 percent.

Speakers also raised concerns about ongoing investigations into Schaffer. Jackie Burbridge of Copiague told the supervisor that residents are being asked to fund his salary increase while federal and state agencies probe his conduct as party chair. Dave Fekete of Deer Park described the council as out of touch, arguing that Schaffer earns income from multiple roles including private attorney and party head.

Town estimates show health insurance costs will increase by approximately $1.7 million, or 10 percent. Pension costs are projected to rise by $664,509, also a 10 percent increase. Residents cited these figures while arguing that service levels, such as snow plowing and traffic signage, have not kept pace with tax collections.

Schaffer stated that the board will vote on his salary in January and that he will not participate in that vote. He noted that his proposed salary would rank fourth among western Suffolk County town supervisors. Schaffer told reporters that the board received many letters and emails in October and would consider all input. The town board is scheduled to vote on the full budget at a 3 p.m. meeting on Nov. 18.