Hampton Bays Board Of Education Adopts $52.5 Million Budget For 2018-19

The Hampton Bays Board of Education adopted a $52.5 million budget on Wednesday night, April 18, for the 2018-19 school year, that, if approved by district residents in May, would increase spending by 3.25 percent, but slightly reduce taxes. According to Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen, the increased funding will be used for school safety upgrades and potential facility repairs, including replacing the high school roof and renovating bathrooms in the elementary school. Mr. Clemensen said during Wednesday’s School Board meeting that the board was working on plans to increase collaboration with local law enforcement officials, use school resource officers and upgrade safety equipment. “There is lots of planning taking place for next year and we want the community to know that this is the Board of Education’s top priority,” he said. While spending will increase by about $1.6 million, the tax rate for district residents will actually be lowered, due in part to increased revenue from other sources. The tax rate is projected to decrease by 2.1 percent from $13.23 to $12.96 per $1,000 of assessed value. The district’s tax levy is anticipated to increase from $44.9 million to $46.3 million, a 3.2 percent increase, due to an increase in the overall assessed value of properties in the school district.Additionally, state aid increased by 3 percent from approximately $5.7 million to $5.8 million, and money sourced from local revenue increased by 26 percent. If approved, an average taxpayer with a home valued at $450,000 can expect to pay $5,832 in school taxes next year, or $123 less than the current year. District residents can vote on the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 15, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the middle school gymnasium.