Huntington board adopts $120.4 million tax levy for 2025-26 school year

The Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education on Oct. 20 adopted a 2025–26 tax levy of $120,426,114 before School Tax Relief (STAR) reimbursement, the board heard. The board moved on the superintendent's recommendation and approved the measure by unanimous voice vote.

District business official Dr. Harris said the district received a finalized assessed value estimate that was $179,199 lower than budgeted, and that change affects the tax-rate calculation. Based on the estimate presented, the district said the levy would produce an estimated tax rate of $270.83 per $100 of assessed value before STAR reimbursement and that the estimated increase referenced earlier in the budget cycle shifted from $266.40 to $304.62 based on the finalized assessed value.

Why it matters: the tax levy sets the revenue target the district will collect through property taxes if the board and subsequently the town and county tax collection process proceed as planned. The levy adopted on Oct. 20 will be used as the basis for final tax rates and for the district's 2025–26 budget planning.

Details of the board action: Dr. Harris presented the tax-levy figures and answered board questions about the assessment update. After discussion, a motion to adopt the levy was made and seconded; the chair called for a vote and recorded a unanimous "all in favor" on the motion. The motion language presented at the meeting was: "Adopt a 2025–26 tax levy in the amount of $120,426,114 before STAR reimbursement reduction and predicated on an estimated assessed value of 44,465,263 that would result in an estimated tax rate of $270.83 per $100 assessed value." The motion was moved by Annie and seconded by Teresa; the transcript records the vote as unanimous ("That's everyone").

District finances context: Board member Beth, earlier in the meeting, told the board she has concern about possible federal funding cuts discussed at the state and national level that could affect Medicaid and Title funding and, in turn, local education budgets. Beth said the district receives "around $1,000,000 in Title funds" (covering Titles I–IV) and that potential reductions would be considered during upcoming budget planning meetings. Beth described those federal actions as not confirmed but as important variables for the budget process.

What the board did not decide tonight: The board adopted the levy number; final tax bills and any STAR reimbursement adjustments will be calculated later in the tax-collection process. The transcript does not record a numerical roll-call tally, only that the motion passed unanimously.