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Schools

West Hempstead Prepares Public for Property Tax Cap, Budget Talks

The West Hempstead Board of Education informed residents about the property tax cap and its impact on the 2012-2013 budget at the November meeting.

One of the most challenging obstacles a school district faces is creating a budget and this year, the task will be even more difficult and complicated with the addition of a 2 percent property tax cap.

Starting the budget process early, the West Hempstead Board of Education presented information to residents Tuesday night about the cap and how it will impact the 2012-2013 school budget.

Deputy Superintendent Richard Cunningham informed the public that the property tax levy is an increase in property taxes that is needed to meet a balanced budget.

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Governor Cuomo put the property tax cap into action this past June, which states, “…local governments and school districts are limited to raise taxes no more than 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less,” not including some exemptions but Cunningham says these have not been clearly defined. The law also allows residents to have the opportunity to override the cap, if there is a 60 percent "super majority" vote for the schools or local government. 

Cunningham stressed that despite the fact that many refer to the tax cap as a 2 percent tax cap, this is not neccessarily the case. The cap could actually be less or the actual tax levy could exceed 2 percent once exemptions are factored in. () There is actually an 8-step process used to determine the levy limit which includes a very complicated formula, Cunningham explained in his presentation, which can be viewed here.

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Cunningham said that it is too early to get exact numbers, because the district is waiting to find out how much funding the State will provide. He told Patch that the district will not receive all of the information necessary to calculate the levy limit until January 2012. Cap data then needs to be reported by March 1.     

State funding to school districts has decreased dramatically and it is noticed not only in the West Hempstead School District, but other districts throughout the state.

Cunningham will be meeting with representatives from other school districts along with the NYS Comptroller to find out more information about funding and the tax cap.

“If the budget does not pass, the district cannot increase its tax levy,” stressed Cunningham, which could have major impacts on all the programs that the West Hempstead School District offers. 

The budget process has just begun and residents can get involved by attending open public discussions regarding the budget. The first will be held on Nov. 29. to learn more about these public sessions and the district's overall approach to the 2012-2013 budget.

Stay with Patch for more information about the budget and future meetings.

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