Nassau County reassessment, not district levy increases, drove this year’s disparate school-tax changes, treasurer says

Syosset Central School District officials explained to the public how this year’s property-tax changes stem from Nassau County’s reassessment and not from any increase in the district’s tax levy.

Dr. Rufo, the district treasurer, told the board the school district controls one factor — the tax levy — while assessments, reassessments and allocation among four county property classes (residential, co‑ops/condos, utilities, commercial) are set by Nassau County. She presented 10‑year charts showing that since the tax‑cap era began in 2013 the district’s levy has remained under the allowable cap by about $10.2 million cumulatively.

Using neighboring property examples from the county Department of Assessment’s publicly available data, she demonstrated how two houses on the same street could see opposite tax outcomes this year: one property’s taxable value rose less than the district average and saw a 6.5% tax decrease, while an adjacent property with a larger assessed increase saw about a 4.9% tax increase. Because the county moved assessed values toward market levels and phased changes over five years, the relative movement of a single property versus the district average determines whether a homeowner’s share of the levy grows or shrinks.

Rufo emphasized that higher assessed values at the county level do not increase district revenue beyond the levy; the school district receives the fixed levy amount. Residents with questions were directed to the Nassau County Department of Assessment website for property‑specific details and to district staff for follow‑up explanations.

Board members thanked Dr. Rufo for the walkthrough and indicated the district would provide additional materials to help residents understand assessment impacts during tax‑bill season.