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Sachem board adopts $387.9 million 2026–27 budget; proposes 2.0973% tax-levy increase for May vote
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Summary
The Sachem Central School District board approved a resolution to put a tax-cap–compliant $387.9 million budget before voters May 19, projecting a 2.0973% levy increase and household impacts of roughly $140 (Brookhaven), $152 (Islip) and $143 (Smithtown).
The Sachem Central School District Board of Education voted April 21 to adopt a resolution placing the district’s proposed $387,900,000 2026–27 budget on the May 19 ballot.
Budget presenter Michelle told trustees the proposal is tax-cap compliant and described the levy and spending details: “the proposed tax levy under this 2627 budget is a, proposed increase of 2.0973%.” She said the levy represents a $4,500,000 increase in taxes over the current year and that the district is using state aid figures from the governor’s January budget and updated February database numbers to build revenue estimates.
The presentation listed the total expenditure budget at $387,900,000 with salaries and employee benefits composing the largest shares; Michelle said staffing (salaries and benefits) accounts for more than 73% of the budget. To balance the proposal, she said the district plans to use an appropriated fund balance of $13,400,000 and to continue a $9,000,000 annual transfer to capital for building repairs and renovations. She also named proposed capital work, including boiler and roof replacements, CTE and IT renovations and restroom work at Samaset.
Michelle provided household-level estimates for the three towns the district serves: “in the town of Brookhaven, we are looking at approximately a $140 just under a $140 annual increase,” “for the town of Islip, it’s roughly a $152 for the year,” and for Smithtown “it’s approximately a $143.” She cautioned these figures are based on current assessed values and equalization rates, which the state will update later in the year.
Board members asked questions about budget composition and cost pressures. One trustee characterized the proposal as effectively a “rollover budget” that preserves current programs, while another highlighted inflation and rising benefit costs but praised the overall work. Trustees were also urged to encourage community turnout for the May vote; the board set a budget hearing for May 6.
The motion to adopt the budget resolution to place the proposition before voters was made by Steph and seconded by Rob; the board approved the motion by voice vote.
Next steps: the district will hold the formal budget hearing May 6; voters will decide the budget and trustee election on May 19.
