Long Islanders face high property taxes as school budget votes move forward
With school taxes making up about 70 percent of local property bills, experts urge residents to scrutinize budgets and participate in annual votes.
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With school taxes making up about 70 percent of local property bills, experts urge residents to scrutinize budgets and participate in annual votes.
Long Islanders have long complained about the cost of property taxes, and with good reason. Residents pay some of the highest property taxes in the country, and the largest share of those bills comes directly from local school district taxes. According to municipal law expert and tax professional Paul Sabatino, roughly 67 to 70 percent of a homeowner’s total property tax bill goes to the school district, whether that bill is $4,000, $5,000, or $10,000 a year.
As Nassau and Suffolk residents head to the polls to vote on their local school budgets, many districts are seeking tax increases. Sabatino says that makes voter participation especially important. He notes that turnout for school budget votes has historically been low, even though these decisions have a major impact on household finances.
“If you're really concerned about the high cost of property taxes on Long Island, you have an opportunity, if not an obligation, to participate and vote,” Sabatino said.
Former Brentwood Schools Superintendent Michael Cohen says that despite frequent frustration over taxes, Long Islanders generally support their school districts. He believes that outside of unusual circumstances, residents tend to accept annual tax increases because of the role schools play in shaping local identity.
“Long Islanders, it's like the weather. They complain about the taxes but they generally support school districts,” Cohen said. “School districts are essential elements of community identity on Long Island.”
