Parking and possible boat mooring fees have set off opposition among some Huntington residents but so has the steep increase in recreation fees.
Where some Democrats and several social media commenters see the fee increase as a direct result of a need to pay for excessive hiring, Supervisor Chad Lupinacci’s office blame Suffolk County requirements and town budgeting needs.
Town spokeswoman Lauren Lembo said, “New Suffolk County requirements forced changes increasing the administrative costs of running parks and recreation programs. Rates were revised to ensure that fees charged cover the costs of running those programs and taxpayers are not on the hook for programs and facilities they do not use. Even so, the town’s parks and recreation programs are still the least expensive programs around.”
Out-of-towners wanting to use facilities face the biggest increases.
“Non-residents were arriving early and crowding out our beaches for night fishing, ” Lembo said. “The increase for non-residents gives priority to Huntington residents, making it easier for residents to take advantage facilities and recreation their town has to offer.”
Here are some of the town fees.
| RECREATION PHOTO ID CARDS | STATUS | OLD | 2019 | Available |
| Resident Adult 18 yr-59 yr (2 yrs) | increasing | $20 | $40 | Town Hall & Ice Rink |
| Resident Adult 18 yr-59 yr (1 yr) | new | – | $25 | Town Hall & Ice Rink |
| Resident Senior 60 yr/Disabled 13 yr & up (2 yrs) | increasing | $10 | $15 | Town Hall & Ice Rink |
| Non-Resident Card (1 yr) | increasing | $50 | $100 | Town Hall |
| BEACH PERMITS | ||||
| Resident Daily Beach Permit | increasing | $25 | $30 | All Beaches |
| Non-Resident Daily Beach Permit | increasing | $35 | $75 | All Beaches |
| Resident Seasonal Beach Permit | no increase | $40 | $40 | All Beaches |
| Senior Resident Seasonal Beach Permit | no increase | FREE | FREE | Crab Meadow, Centerport & Quentin Sammis/West Neck Beaches |
| Fire Dept/Rescue Personnel Resident Seasonal Beach Permit | no increase | FREE | FREE | Town Hall |