The Lindenhurst Village Board has announced that a special referendum on proposed amendments to the Volunteer Firefighters Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. The proposed amendments affect eligible Lindenhurst Fire Department volunteer firefighters.
“As required by New York State law, a public vote must be held to approve any changes to the LOSAP program, which is funded through Village tax revenue. This referendum will give Village of Lindenhurst residents the opportunity to vote on whether to approve the proposed changes,” said Mayor Michael A. Lavorata.
The current program, as amended by a special referendum in 2016, provides a defined benefit of up to $800.00 per month beginning at age 62 for firefighters who serve up to 40 years of credited service. The current LOSAP benefit structure also consists of separate plans for firefighters who joined before January 1, 2017 and firefighters who joined on or after January 1, 2017.
The first proposition would increase the length of service from 40 to 50 years. This change would increase the maximum service award payable to firefighters who earn more than 40 years of credited service. Based on the existing plan, and on an average annual tax assessment of $4,600.00, the estimated additional cost per home is $7.65 per year to implement this amendment.
The second proposition is two-fold. One, it would eliminate the separate classes for firefighters who joined after January 1, 2017, and consolidate the existing two LOSAP benefit plans into a single benefit structure for all eligible firefighters. Second, it would increase the monthly service award benefit payable under the LOSAP from $20.00 per month for each year of credited service to $25.00 per month for each year of credited service. For example, a firefighter with 40 years of credited service would receive a monthly service award of $1,000 rather than $800. Based on the existing plan, and on an average annual tax assessment of $4,600.00, the estimated additional cost per home is $9.93 per year to implement this amendment.
Each proposition will appear as a separate proposition on the referendum ballot and will be voted on independently. However, because the proposals affect different components of the LOSAP program, the outcome of one proposition may affect the impact of another. For example, if the first proposition passes and the second proposition fails, the maximum monthly service award would be $1,000 ($20 x 50 years). If both propositions pass, the maximum monthly service award would increase to $1,250 ($25 x 50 years), resulting in a higher estimated annual cost.
“We encourage the public to voice their opinion on this important issue by participating in the public referendum,” said Mayor Lavorata.
Polling will take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2026 from noon to 9:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Eligible Resident Voters Living North of the Long Island Rail Road
Lindenhurst Rainbow Community Center – 293 Buffalo Avenue.
Eligible Resident Voters Living South of the Long Island Rail Road
Lindenhurst Moose Lodge – 883 South Broadway
For more information, please contact Village Hall at 631-957-7500.