Rockville Center discusses budget vote and property tax adjustments ahead of May election

The Board of Education held a Regular Meeting and Preliminary Budget Hearing on April 10, 2025, at 8 PM, focusing on the upcoming budget and tax levy for the community. The meeting began with a detailed explanation of the tax levy process, where the board outlined how the county allocates the levy among four property classes: residential homes, rental properties, utilities, and commercial/industrial properties. The current adjusted base proportion for residential properties is approximately 75.5%, indicating that the majority of the tax burden falls on homeowners.

The board reported that the average assessment in Rockville Center has decreased by 1.37%, leading to an expected tax increase of about $319 per year for the average homeowner. The budget vote is scheduled for May 20, 2025, from 7 AM to 9 PM at Southside High School, where residents will also vote on a trustee election and the Rockville Center Public Library budget.

The proposed budget reflects a 2.6% increase, with a budget-to-budget increase of 1.63%. It includes a transfer of $1.8 million for capital projects, which will cover various renovations and upgrades across the district. Additionally, the budget aims to expand educational offerings, including new courses in financial investments, computational engineering, and the introduction of a varsity field hockey team.

The board emphasized the importance of community engagement, encouraging residents to register to vote by May 15 and to submit absentee ballots by the same day. The budget details will be available on the district's website and in schools by April 22, with a newsletter mailed to homes shortly thereafter.

During the meeting, board members discussed the uncertainty surrounding state aid, with expectations that final numbers may not be available until after the upcoming holiday. The board is also set to meet with local superintendents to address potential impacts of federal funding cuts on education.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to maintaining a balanced budget while addressing the needs of the community and ensuring transparency in the budget process.