Property Tax Information

School Tax Information

Tax rates for each municipality within the district are set in August and are based on the tax levy for the year and final municipal assessments for each of the towns. Tax rates vary between towns because property in each is assessed at different levels in relation to full market value. The state assigns each town an equalization rate to divide the tax fairly. The district does not control any aspect of the assessment or equalization process.

What is a Tax Levy?

The tax levy is the dollar amount raised by annual property tax to fund the budget. It provides a portion of the total funding for the budget; the other major funding source comes from state aid.

In New York, school leaders begin developing their school budget proposal long before the public vote in May. Each budget proposal is unique, but most schools' planning process is similar.  Here's a video on everything you need to know about your school district's budget in 60 seconds.

STAR (School Tax Relief Program)

STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief program that provides an exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. For more information about STAR click here  

Property Tax Cap Information

Contrary to popular belief, the NYS Property Tax Cap does not cap tax increases at 2 percent. Instead, public schools must use a state formula each year to determine how much they can increase their tax levies without seeking a higher percentage of voter approval for the budget. This threshold usually differs yearly and may be above or below 2%. The district must determine its tax cap number and submit it to the state by March 1st of each year.

If the year-to-year increase of the District’s tax levy (the portion of the school budget funded by property tax) is at or below the number determined by the formula (the “cap”), a simple majority (50% + 1) of voter approval is needed to pass the budget. If the District puts before voters a budget that carries a tax levy increase above the number determined by the formula, a super majority (60%) of voter approval is needed for the budget to pass.