The Town of Hempstead Town Board on Oct. 16, 2025 approved a resolution ratifying and confirming the deputy supervisor’s compensation. Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby recused herself from debate and did not participate in the vote.
Supervisor Ferretti opened the agenda item and the clerk read item 1 as “the resolution ratifying and confirming the deputy supervisor’s compensation.” During the afternoon session several residents questioned the change. Pearl Jacobs of Uniondale said she was concerned about the deputy supervisor’s hours and asked whether the pay represented ‘‘government welfare.’’ Lynn Krug of Garden City asked why any change was being processed so close to elections and whether the change was prorated.
Supervisor Ferretti and other board members responded that the deputies’ responsibilities are outlined in the town code and that the action before the board was a ratification of compensation as stated in the preliminary budget; the clerk read the compensation figure from the resolution as $35,916 for 2025 and $35,916 for 2026.
The board first suspended the rules to take item 1 earlier on the agenda (motion moved by a board member and seconded; roll call recorded). Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby announced her recusal before the item and left the dais. After public comment, a board member moved to pass the resolution; the clerk called the roll and the motion carried with recorded votes of Supervisor Ferretti (Aye), Councilman Dunne (Aye), Councilwoman Miller (Aye), Councilman Muscarella (Aye), Councilwoman Bridal (Aye) and Councilman Schneider (Aye). Deputy Supervisor Goosby did not participate.
Board members did not amend the dollar amounts during the session; they said the measure simply confirmed the compensation listed in the preliminary budget. The amendment to the preliminary budget later in the meeting also included a provision amending the deputy supervisor’s compensation (see separate coverage of the budget hearing). The town clerk’s reading and the motion record are included in the meeting minutes.
The matter produced public criticism but no additional board amendments were made on the meeting record. The board returned Deputy Supervisor Goosby to the chamber after the vote.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution ratifying and confirming deputy supervisor compensation — Passed (roll call): Supervisor Ferretti Aye; Councilman Dunne Aye; Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby Recused/Did not vote; Councilwoman Miller Aye; Councilman Muscarella Aye; Councilwoman Bridal Aye; Councilman Schneider Aye.