A state panel chaired by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi and charged with the task of limiting property taxes heard recommendations on how to do just that Wednesday.

Experts offered the bipartisan commission, appointed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer, solutions such as a state tax cap similar to the one implemented in Massachusetts decades ago. Other options call for the state to pick up the cost of teachers? salaries or having income taxes instead of property taxes fund school districts.

Rockville Centre School Superintendent William Johnson described a similar way out. He told the commission local taxes should be tied to income with a tax ceiling.

The commission is promising action, not just another report. Suozzi says he recognizes the complexity of the issue and that his panel will respond accordingly. "I think a property tax cap is a clear directive from the governor, but it has to be coupled with ways to help school districts reduce expenses as well," he says.

The panel will make recommendations to Gov. Spitzer May 15.

Commission on Property Tax Relief