Oyster Bay spending plan includes layoffs to close $700 million budget gap

OYSTER BAY, Long Island (WABC) -- The town of Oyster Bay, Long Island has proposed a 2017 budget that includes more than $7 million in savings from layoffs.

Tuesday was the first public hearing regarding the town's proposed budget.

Town officials say they'll need to layoff anywhere between 100-300 town workers, but have not specified which employees.

Oyster Bay is $700 million in debt, a shortfall Town Supervisor John Venditto says stems from years of growing bureaucracy in the community.

103 employees have either retired or resigned, saving the town $9-10 million.

There will be no cuts to town programs.

Some part-time and seasonal workers will also be laid off, saving $1 million.

The budget will also include a "moderate" tax increase to generate $4.8 million.

Another public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday night at town hall.