TheVillage of East Hillshas approved a roughly $15.2 million budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, sustaining a zero percent tax increase for the 16th consecutive year while continuing to fund core services, infrastructure and community programs.
The adopted budget totals $15,197,957, a slight decrease fromlast year’s $15,243,731 spending plan, according to the village’s budget summary. Despite rising costs, village officials said they were able to hold the tax rate steady through careful financial planning and cost controls.
“As the mayor and chief budget officer of East Hills, I am proud to announce that for a 16th year in a row, the budget contains an unprecedented zero tax increase for our residents,” Mayor Michael Koblenz said in a message to the community.
The budget includes $9.14 million to be raised through real property taxes, compared with about $9.07 million last year. Officials noted that the tax rate remains unchanged due to an increase in the village’s total assessed property value, which offsets the higher levy.
Public safety remains one of the largest areas of spending at approximately $3.17 million, followed by employee benefits at $3.78 million and government support at just over $3.05 million. Other major expenditures include transportation, culture and recreation, and home and community services.
Koblenz emphasized that the budget preserves all existing services, including sanitation, snow removal, road maintenance, security, and recreational programming. It also supports continued investment in infrastructure, including a “robust” road repaving program to address wear from increasingly severe weather conditions.
The budget also funds a contract exceeding $1 million for fire protection services provided by Roslyn Highlands and Roslyn Rescue, as well as fees for Nassau County police coverage.
Koblenz highlighted the village’s strong financial standing, noting that East Hills continues to maintain a high bond rating from Moody’s and received a favorable evaluation in financial stress testing by the New York State Comptroller.
“This budget ensures the finest services and facilities will be continued in East Hills,” Koblenz said.
Among the capital improvements included in the spending plan is the replacement of the village’s playground with new interactive equipment, which officials described as a major upgrade for local families. The budget also continues funding for parks, including tennis and pickleball courts, a swimming pool, walking trails and sports fields.
Source: LI Press
