Officials have announced that Town of Oyster Bay residents will see a more than 8.8 percent property tax hike.

The town board voted unanimously on Tuesday to pierce the state's so-called tax cap. The hike will translate to about $90 more a year for the average taxpayer.

The originally proposed budget included a public hearing, while the one approved Tuesday had no public input. Residents say they are disappointed in their town's leadership.

"I think our elected officials should be more open and honest with us," said Bob Staudinger, of Massapequa.

Oyster Bay Town Democratic Leader Dave Gugerty says the move by the all-Republican board was manipulative.

"This was a sneak attack on the taxpayers of our town," said Gugerty.

Town Supervisor John Venditto insists the original budget proposal was simply a starting point and says the town made it clear that all options were on the table, including a tax hike.

"The residents elect us to make responsible decisions about that budget. We have a process that we engage in. We dotted every I and we crossed every T. We followed to the letter of the law, that which the state recommends that we do, and we made the decision," Venditto told News 12.