The Village of Roslyn Estates Board of Trustees weighed a proposal to purchase a new stalker radar gun while also advancing a tentative budget for the coming fiscal year during the Monday, March 16 meeting. Both moves are tied to efforts to improve services and address rising costs.
Mayor Adam Koblenz outlined plans to acquire the radar device for use by the Nassau County Police Department as part of a broader push to curb speeding and traffic violations.
“This is an area the village wishes to address,” Koblenz said. “We’ve had a lot of cars speeding and running stop signs.”
Koblenz said the initiative follows discussions with Nassau County Police Department Sixth Precinct Deputy Inspector Kristen Rhine about increasing enforcement in the village and conversations with Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip about facilitating a potential purchase of the radar gun subject to approval of the legislator. The radar gun would be housed locally and used by officers during patrols.
Officials estimated the cost at about $3,000 under a state contract and said they are exploring reimbursement through a state legislator. They also pointed to neighboring Flower Hill, where a similar program has led to a more consistent police presence.
Trustees discussed pairing the purchase with plans to provide space at Village Hall for officers, including lockers and computer access, effectively creating a local hub for patrol activity.
Still, some board members questioned how frequently the device would be used and whether enough officers are trained in radar enforcement.
The board ultimately tabled a vote on the radar gun to gather additional details, including expected usage and training requirements.
Alongside the public safety discussion, the board reviewed a proposed 2026–2027 budget totaling $1,901,574, representing a 1.58% increase from the prior year, or just under $30,000 in additional spending.
Village Clerk John Giordano said the tax levy would rise by 2%, the maximum allowed under the state cap. That increase translates to about $20 per $1,000 in tax dollars, according to Giordano.
The draft budget reflects an overall increase driven largely by rising sanitation costs, salaries and health insurance premiums.
“It’s just every year, it’s like 10%, 12%, 10%,” Trustee Brett Auerbach said of insurance increases, calling the trend “a crisis.”
Board members discussed exploring alternative plans, including high-deductible options, though officials noted that small municipalities often have limited choices.
“I just want to make sure we’re doing our diligence,” Auerbach said. Giodarno said he would look into different options for the village health insurance.
The spending plan also includes allocations for infrastructure and maintenance, including funding for drainage work, park upkeep and beautification projects such as pond maintenance and landscaping improvements.
Board members discussed the need to reassess road conditions following winter damage, with some calling for an updated evaluation of streets that may require repairs.
A public hearing on the proposed budget was scheduled for April 20, when residents will have an opportunity to comment before final adoption.
