Council splits 5-2 on $59.6 million budget plan

Town Council · Meeting of June 23, 2026

EAST HAMPTON — The East Hampton Town Council voted 5-2 to approve a revised $59.6 million budget and set a referendum for July 14. Council members Ted Hintz, Jr. and Tim Feegel opposed the general government ($19,699,909), education ($39,900,937) and capital improvement ($2,364,530) budgets, each passing on identical 5-2 votes. Hintz questioned using surplus funds to cut the capital budget without a taxpayer vote, telling Town Manager David Cox, "You'll always find a way to circumvent the taxpayer." The council also unanimously accepted a $40,000 state cybersecurity grant requiring a $10,000 town match, approved an amended Volunteer Firefighters' Length of Service Awards Program effective July 1, and OK'd a VFW Auxiliary request to decorate the Village Center's Yellow Ribbon Tree.

A Budget Town Meeting is set for July 7 at 5:45 p.m.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,877 words

Source: the Town Council meeting of June 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.

The Full Article

Public Remarks

Background and stakes: An earlier fiscal year 2027 budget failed at referendum, triggering a reconsideration process involving a Tri-Board meeting on June 11 and two Board of Finance meetings before the council's June 23 action. Residents used the public comment period to weigh in before the council voted.

The question before the body: Whether residents would raise concerns before the council acted on the Board of Finance's second referendum recommendation.

Substantive content: Haley Guite, a parent and taxpayer, urged sustained civic participation, noting that "our children do not have a vote" and cannot advocate for themselves at meetings. Sal Nucifora, 147 Colchester Avenue, criticized the practice of using fund balance to reduce the budget instead of making structural changes, warning of a looming, mandated ventilation upgrade at the schools that could cost millions. He proposed aligning middle and high school start times so the district could move teachers between buildings and realize savings through attrition rather than layoffs. Cristal Chan, 34 Walnut Avenue, said she had only recently come to understand the town's fund balance and supported the Board of Finance's approach of funding one-time capital expenses with surplus so those costs do not recur in future budgets.

The deliberation: Nucifora argued, "Borrowing from Peter to pay Paul is not serious. It's basically kicking the can down the road." Chan countered that using surplus for one-time capital costs is "a prudent approach" because "those costs would not carry forward into future budgets," while acknowledging town affordability concerns.

Procedural steps and outcome: No formal council action occurs during public remarks; comments were received into the record ahead of the budget votes that followed.

Implications and what is next: The budget concerns raised by Nucifora and Chan frame the debate taken up later in the meeting over whether to fund capital projects from surplus versus a town meeting vote.

FY2026-27 Budget, Second Referendum

Background and stakes: The Board of Finance forwarded a revised budget to the council on June 22 after the original FY2027 budget failed at referendum. The council's action on June 23 was required to send a new budget package to a second townwide referendum.

The question before the body: Whether to approve the Board of Finance's recommended general government, education and capital improvement budgets and advance them to referendum.

Substantive content: The Board of Finance's proposed budget, dated June 22, 2026, set total town expenditures at $59,600,846, down from an earlier $61,257,960 proposal, a reduction of $1,657,114. The general government budget was recommended at $19,699,909, achieved through cuts including a $500,400 reduction in the capital reserve fund contribution, elimination of a part-time Senior Center driver ($19,000), elimination of a clerical position in Land Use/Building in favor of an Assistant Planner/Land Use Enforcement role ($26,495 net), two fewer transfer station days per month ($24,700), and a $10,000 reduction in contingency. The capital improvement plan totaled $2,364,530, funded through $302,100 in known grants, $103,380 in residual sinking funds, $528,400 in other funding, $482,850 in borrowing and a $947,800 transfer from current taxes, per the capital plan funding document. The education budget was recommended at $39,900,937, up $1,137,986, or 2.94 percent, from the prior year. The resulting mill rate under the Board of Finance's proposal was calculated at 28.22, down from 39.71 in the approved FY2026 budget, reflecting a 44.21 percent increase in the net grand list following revaluation.

The deliberation: Council Member Ted Hintz, Jr. questioned the use of surplus funds to reduce the capital budget rather than bringing that spending to a town meeting vote. Town Manager David Cox explained that surplus transferred into the capital reserve account does not require a town meeting vote because it is not a current-year revenue source. Hintz pressed further, asking "how often do we buy down the budget" this way; Cox responded that the town has done so "a few times" over roughly 20 years and that the practice has not changed. Hintz replied, "You'll always find a way to circumvent the taxpayer," to which another participant replied, "It's okay." Vice Chairman Jack Solomon called the question to end debate on the general government budget.

Procedural steps and outcome: Karen Wanat moved, seconded by Solomon, to approve the general government budget of $19,699,909 as recommended by the Board of Finance; the council voted 5-2, with Hintz and Tim Feegel opposed. Joelyn Leon moved, seconded by Solomon, to approve the Board of Education budget of $39,900,937; the vote was again 5-2, Hintz and Feegel opposed. Solomon then moved, seconded by Leon, to approve the capital improvement plan of $2,364,530, including use of sinking funds, other revenue sources and surplus, contingent on a $947,800 transfer from current taxes; the vote was 5-2, Hintz and Feegel opposed.

Implications and what is next: The combined action sends a $59.6 million budget package to a Budget Town Meeting and referendum. If rejected again, the town would continue to rely on month-to-month temporary budgets while the council and Board of Finance revise the package further.

Setting the Town Meeting and Referendum Dates

Background and stakes: State law and town charter require formal action to establish dates for a Budget Town Meeting and referendum following council approval of a budget recommendation.

The question before the body: When to hold the required Town Meeting and referendum on the newly adopted budget.

Substantive content: Town Manager Cox recommended following the town's normal pattern: a Town Meeting two weeks out, timed ahead of a Water Pollution Control Authority meeting many council members also attend, followed by a referendum the following Tuesday.

The deliberation: Richard Knotek moved, seconded by Leon, to set the Budget Town Meeting for Tuesday, July 7, at 5:45 p.m. at Town Hall, and the referendum for Tuesday, July 14, between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., also at Town Hall. A brief technical disruption was reported during the meeting, with some residents unable to access the Zoom link through the town website; Cox noted 19 people were already connected and that the issue appeared isolated.

Procedural steps and outcome: The motion passed 7-0 without substantive discussion on the dates themselves.

Implications and what is next: Absentee ballots become available Friday, June 26, at the Town Clerk's office, Cox said, under newly simplified no-excuse absentee voting rules that took effect this year.

July 2026 Monthly Budget

Background and stakes: Because the full FY2027 budget has not yet passed at referendum, state law and the town charter require the council to adopt a temporary monthly budget to keep town government operating and allow payments to continue.

The question before the body: Whether to adopt a one-month budget for July 2026 covering front-loaded expenses such as debt payments and insurance premiums.

Substantive content: Staff recommended a $6,746,496 monthly budget, including $2,696,316 for education, $1,651,200 for administration and finance, $562,400 for public safety, $228,500 for public works, and $1,399,500 for debt service, according to the monthly budget document prepared by Finance Director Jylkka. The Board of Education's July temporary budget includes a $576,116 pension contribution due July 1 and $800,000 for medical insurance.

The deliberation: Solomon moved approval; no debate followed.

Procedural steps and outcome: The council voted 7-0 to approve the $6,746,496 monthly budget, which becomes moot once a full-year budget is approved at referendum.

Implications and what is next: The temporary budget provides a fallback funding mechanism if the July 14 referendum fails, as the prior referendum did.

Volunteer Firefighters' Length of Service Awards Program Amendment

Background and stakes: The LOSAP plan, which functions as a small retirement benefit for volunteer firefighters, had not been substantively updated since the late 1980s or early 1990s. Finance Director Jeff Jylkka said he began working with the town's pension attorney roughly 18 months ago to bring the plan into compliance with current federal tax law.

The question before the body: Whether to approve the amended and restated LOSAP plan and trust agreement, effective July 1, 2026.

Substantive content: Per the agenda report, the amendment reduces the normal retirement age from 60 to 55, replaces a fixed annual Town contribution with a Town-determined annual amount, adds a federal contribution limit of $7,500 per participant per plan year, and restructures benefit payments: accounts under $10,000 are paid in a lump sum, while accounts over $10,000 are paid in four annual installments adjusted for earnings or losses. Jylkka said the installment structure addresses a prior issue in which volunteers were taxed heavily on lump-sum distributions through "constructive receipt."

The deliberation: Jylkka told the council he had spoken with the fire chief and Marty Swan, who confirmed that both department members and fire commissioners had reviewed and approved the changes. A council member asked whether the plan would continue to operate in its current form; Jylkka confirmed it remains a length of service award program.

Procedural steps and outcome: Solomon moved to amend and restate the plan; Leon seconded. The council voted 7-0 in favor.

Implications and what is next: The amended plan takes effect July 1, 2026, and will govern future contributions and payouts to East Hampton's volunteer firefighters.

FY2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Award

Background and stakes: The town applied roughly a year ago for a competitive cybersecurity grant through the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and was notified of the award a few weeks before the meeting.

The question before the body: Whether to accept the grant, authorize the town manager to execute related documents, and allocate the required local match.

Substantive content: The award, DEMHS Grant No. 23C042A for the "East Hampton Penetration Testing Project," provides $40,000 in federal funds against a $50,000 total project budget, with the town required to contribute a $10,000 match. Per the grant notice, the award period runs from December 1, 2023, through November 30, 2027. Jylkka said the funding will support penetration testing of the town's network to identify vulnerabilities and validate existing protections, with the $10,000 match to be incorporated into the town's year-end budget transfer process around October.

The deliberation: A council member asked whether $10,000 would remain available in the relevant fund after the match was taken; Jylkka confirmed it would.

Procedural steps and outcome: Leon moved, seconded by Wanat, to accept the grant, authorize the town manager's signature, and allocate the $10,000 match. The council voted 7-0.

Implications and what is next: The penetration testing project will proceed under the grant's multi-year award period, with financial accounting folded into the fiscal year-end transfer.

VFW Auxiliary's Yellow Ribbon Tree Request

Background and stakes: The VFW Auxiliary submitted a letter, through President Kelly Ezold, requesting permission to decorate the Village Center's Yellow Ribbon Tree for Old Home Days as part of America's 250th anniversary observance.

The question before the body: Whether to grant the VFW Auxiliary's request to use the tree for a commemorative display.

Substantive content: VFW Commander Ted Turner, appearing in Ezold's place, explained the auxiliary wants to attach information cards featuring the 30 signers of the Declaration of Independence, with a photo and name on the front and a biography on the back, to the tree.

The deliberation: Turner called it "a project that I think is worthy of a yes vote." A council member moved to approve use by "the VFW" before amending the motion to specify "the VFW and auxiliary" after another member noted the distinction.

Procedural steps and outcome: Wanat moved, seconded by Leon, to approve the VFW Auxiliary's use of the Yellow Ribbon Tree for Old Home Day weekend. The council voted 7-0.

Implications and what is next: The display will go up ahead of Old Home Days as part of the town's America 250 commemorations.

Town Manager's Report

Background and stakes: Cox's written report, posted on the town website, covered absentee ballot availability and Village Center construction progress following the budget referendum action.

Substantive content: Cox said absentee ballots would be available starting Friday, June 26, at Town Hall's clerk's office, under newly simplified no-excuse absentee voting procedures. He said Village Center construction is nearing completion, with contractors addressing punch-list items, including removal of erroneously placed crosswalk markings before installing red thermoplastic brick-pattern crosswalk material, plus a planned redo of a sidewalk section near 82 Main Street. He said the line-striping contractor, not the town, would bear the cost of correcting the erroneous markings.

The deliberation: Council Member Leon noted she had volunteered with the Prevention Partnership Committee at the Pride Stroll over the weekend, thanking Stephanie Hine for organizing the event.

Implications and what is next: Village Center finishing work continues as weather allows; absentee voting begins ahead of the July 14 referendum.

Appointments

Background and stakes: The council processed a routine slate of new appointments and reappointments to town boards and commissions.

Substantive content: The council appointed Amanda Mullane as an alternate to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (term through December 31, 2027) and Leah Post as an alternate to the Conservation-Lake Commission (through June 30, 2029). It reappointed Virginia Yenkner to the Brownfields Redevelopment Agency (through June 30, 2031); moved David Zaborowski from alternate to full member on the Conservation-Lake Commission (through June 30, 2030); reappointed Robert Hart to the Conservation-Lake Commission (through June 30, 2030); reappointed Zachary Nelson to the Design Review Board (through June 30, 2028); reappointed Allison Kane and Christopher Briggs to the Ethics Commission (both through April 30, 2030); and reappointed Josh Wilson, Cathie Horan and Megan Joseph to the Inland Wetlands Watercourses Agency (all through June 1, 2029).

The deliberation: The reappointment of Mary Krogh to the Ethics Commission (through April 30, 2030) drew dissent, passing 5-2 with Leon and Wanat opposed; no stated reason for the opposition appears in the record. All other appointments passed 7-0.

Procedural steps and outcome: Each appointment proceeded on separate motions and seconds as listed above.

Implications and what is next: The new and returning members begin or continue their terms on the dates noted; the split vote on Krogh's reappointment is the only contested personnel action of the evening.

Tax Refunds and Closing Public Remarks

Background and stakes: Routine tax refund approvals and a second public comment period closed out the regular agenda before executive session.

Substantive content: The council approved tax refunds totaling $699.03, moved by Feegel and seconded by Hintz, 7-0. During closing public remarks, Sandra Sapporo raised a question about new line striping near the Village Center eliminating a former informal parking spot in front of the Mateo's/Pizza on Main location. Cox explained that no formal parking space had ever existed there; vehicles previously used a wide shoulder that no longer exists under the new configuration, which needed to preserve a clear turning lane for fire apparatus. He said Public Works is installing a sign at the first space in the adjacent Main Street parking lot designating a 15-minute pickup-only space near Mateo's front walkway.

Implications and what is next: The 15-minute pickup space is expected to address resident concerns about quick-stop parking near the relocated Main Street parking configuration.

Executive Session

Background and stakes: The agenda, as amended at the meeting's outset, added an executive session for collective bargaining strategy.

Procedural steps and outcome: Wanat moved, seconded by Leon, to enter executive session at 7:21 p.m. with Town Manager Cox present; the council voted 7-0. No action was taken following the session, and the council adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Dean Markham, Chair, present Jack Solomon, Vice Chair, present Tim Feegel, Member, present Ted Hintz, Jr., Member, present Richard Knotek, Member, present Joelyn Leon, Member, present Karen Wanat, Member, present David Cox, Town Manager, present Jeff Jylkka, Finance Director, present for agenda items 9b and 9c Cathy Sirois, Executive Assistant to the Town Council / Recording Clerk, present Haley Guite, resident and parent, public comment Sal Nucifora, 147 Colchester Avenue, resident, public comment (two appearances) Cristal Chan, 34 Walnut Avenue, resident, public comment Ted Turner, Commander, VFW, 223 Hog Hill Road, appeared on behalf of the VFW Auxiliary Kelly Ezold, President, VFW Auxiliary, submitted written request but did not attend

Board of Finance — recommended the revised FY2027 general government, education, and capital improvement budgets considered and approved by the council on second referendum. VFW and VFW Auxiliary — requested and received approval to decorate the Village Center's Yellow Ribbon Tree for Old Home Days. Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security — administers the FY2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program accepted by the council. U.S. Department of Homeland Security — federal awarding agency for the cybersecurity grant. East Hampton Board of Fire Commissioners — serves as Plan Administrator for the LOSAP and reviewed the amended plan alongside department members. Board of Finance Proposed Budget (Second Referendum), dated June 22, 2026 — cited throughout the budget votes for expenditure and funding detail. FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan document and funding plan — cited for project-level financing sources behind the $2,364,530 capital budget. Town of East Hampton Volunteer Firefighters' Award Program and Trust Agreement (amended and restated) — the document approved effective July 1, 2026. DEMHS Notice of Grant Award, Grant No. 23C042A — cited for the cybersecurity grant's award period and funding terms.