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HERALD BEaCon
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Union leaders fight for pension equity
NYS Parks summer run series
Famous sayings about dogs by famous people
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VOL. 60 NO. 14
APRIL 30 - MAY 6, 2026
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Babylon SD okays 2.87% tax levy hike Babylon entered the budget process facing a $790,000 gap. Lunetta said the district conThe Babylon Board of Educa- ducted a “line-by-line review” tion approved a 2.87 percent tax of expenses and reclassified levy for the 2026-27 school year, school food service spending to keeping the increase under the improve efficiency. The district state tax cap while maintaining also used $350,000 in one-time reserves from all current proits Employee grams despite Benefit Acrising inflation. crued LiabilThe proposed ity fund to help $66,155,485 budclose the gap. get represents a “Over the 2.79 percent inpast several crease over the years, the discurrent year’s trict has implespending plan, a mented a series smaller increase of strategic acthan the previtions that focus ous year, accordon cost saving to Assistant ings, revenue Superintendent enhancement, for Business and proven Deirdre Lunetta. financial The budget monitoring,” preserves all inDEIRDRE LUNETTA Lunetta said. structional and Ass’t. Superintendent “We’re trying extracurricular to strengthen programs. It also for Business our long-term includes funding fiscal stabilto hire a human resources director and retain ity, increasing our reserves as two special education positions much as we can to a reasonable level so that we can weather added this year. District officials cited rising sustained inflation and have health insurance costs and in- reserves to fall back on when flation — which Lunetta said needed.” According to Lunetta, the has increased roughly 20 percent over the past four years district received a fiscal stress — as ongoing challenges, while score of 0 — the best possible revenue growth remains capped rating — from the state compby the state.
By ALENA BERENBLATT
Correspondent
O
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos
Harper Loudon smiles with Alice and The Tower Princess.
Babylon Village Spring Fling draws crowds for season’s first street fair By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Enthusiasm filled the air in Babylon Village as residents and visitors turned out in large numbers for the first street fair of the season on April 11. Following a notably cold winter, the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spring Fling was met with sunny skies and mild temperatures, drawing crowds to Deer Park Avenue. Returning favorites and firsttime vendors lined the streets while local eateries welcomed steady foot traffic, with some offering outdoor dining and seasonal treats. Among them were Torta Fina Bakeshoppe, Babylon Meat Market, Argyle Grill and Tavern and Babylon Social, each contributing to the
festive atmosphere. “I’m excited for the weather and the sun being out,” said Katie Mattary, owner of Barnyard River. Vendors emphasized both sales and community engagement. Bestea by HITCH featured a slime-making station for children, drawing families throughout the day. Owner Joseph DeBello said the event offered an opportunity to reconnect after the winter months. “Winter is finally over and I’m looking forward to connecting with the community,” he said. First-time vendor Helen Bolanos, of Artezina Handmade Jewelry, said she was pleased with the turnout and the chance to support local commerce. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
ver the past several years, the district has implemented a series of strategic actions that focus on cost savings, revenue enhancement, and proven financial monitoring.
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