For the 13th consecutive year, the Village of Freeport will maintain a zero percent tax increase for residents. Mayor Robert Kennedy unveiled the 2026-2027 budget proposal this week, which manages to expand services while keeping the tax rate unchanged.
The $82.3 million budget includes funding for five additional police officers, infrastructure improvements to the village's waterfront areas, and new equipment for the fire department — all without raising taxes.
"Fiscal responsibility doesn't mean cutting services. It means being smart about how we spend taxpayer dollars. Our residents deserve both — stability and progress." — Mayor Robert Kennedy
The village has achieved this through a combination of strategic grant applications, shared services agreements with Nassau County, and careful budget management. Over the past 13 years, Freeport has secured over $45 million in state and federal grants for capital projects.
Deputy Mayor Jorge Martinez noted that the village's bond rating has improved during this period, saving residents money on debt service. "When you run government like a business, everyone benefits," he said.
The budget will be voted on at the next Board of Trustees meeting. Public comments will be accepted before the vote.