COMMUNITY NEWS! IMPORTANT!!

(Meeting) Monday, May 12, 08 7:30 p.m   (Vote) May 20, 08

On May 20, 2008, the property owners in Babylon Village are going to be asked to cast their vote for the 2008-2009 School District spending plan. There has been much written about the rising property taxes on Long Island and the difficulty we face with balancing the need for the best educational programs for our children and increased taxes. During recent budget presentations at both Board of Education and PTA meetings the increases in the 2008-2009 budget have been explained. There are some increases that are unavoidable such as rising energy costs (25% increase) and transportation costs (20% increase). Others that directly affect our students, such as textbooks, supplies, equipment and computer lab support are areas that have seen consistent cuts and can no longer be ignored. With all of this considered the budget has increased 4.81% and the tax rate increase is 4.95%.

The reality is that taxes are on the rise. Whether a yes or a no vote is cast, the cost of educating children is increasing. When a school budget is defeated twice whether in Babylon Village or anyplace else in the state, a mandated contingent budget goes into effect. By law, the budget can still rise 3.36%. In Babylon this means that $1.2 million must be cut from the spending plan to reach the 3.36%. This equates to a tax rate increase of 3.01%. For the average homeowner with an assessed valuation of  $4,299, the difference is $143.00 a year. For  39 cents a day, the choice is to eliminate programs, educational materials, and      teachers or to keep them intact. To help you understand this budget you can go to the district website (www.babylon.k12.ny.us) or attend the Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the High School library for the information to help you make an informed decision.