Floyd budget reduces taxes again

The William Floyd Board of Education adopted its proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year during the April 18 meeting. The budget calls for a -17.88 percent tax levy, a reduction in taxes of $1,055.09 for the average assessed home in the community (average home in the community is assessed at $1,995).

The budget, according to the district, maintains and adds student programs, clubs and other opportunities, as well as increases technology initiatives across the district. The budget, William Floyd School District superintendent Kevin Coster said, is fiscally responsible for residents while providing long-term multi-year sustainability for district operations. The ability to reduce taxes while also adding programs was made possible due to New York State funding foundation aid.

“With the state fulfilling their pledge to fully fund foundation aid, the board of education has put together another amazing budget that adds programs while reducing taxes,” Coster said. “With the costs of just about everything on the rise, this reduction will go a long way toward providing much-needed tax relief to our residents.”

This is the second consecutive year that the district has reduced taxes and third year in a row with either a tax freeze or a reduction. In 2021-22, there was a zero percent increase; in 2022-23, there was a 4.86 percent reduction; and for 2023-24 there will be a 17.88 percent reduction.

The budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. in the Jeananne Dawson Memorial Library at William Floyd High School. This meeting will be followed by a regularly scheduled board of education meeting beginning at 7 p.m. The annual budget vote and trustee election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the William Floyd High School east lobby.

The following propositions will be on the ballot for voter approval:

PROPOSITION 1: To adopt the annual budget in the amount of $292,518,144 of the William Floyd School District for the fiscal year 2023-24, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the school district.

Election of the Board of Education Trustees: To elect two trustees to the Board of Education for terms of three years commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2026. The two seats are currently held by trustees Angelo Cassarino and Robert Taiani. To elect one trustee to the Board of Education to fill the remainder of the term previously held by Robert Guerriero, expiring on June 30, 2025. This seat is currently held by trustee Luis J. Soto. All three incumbent trustees are running unopposed.

Voter Qualifications & Registration:

In order to vote on the William Floyd School District budget and election of trustees, residents must be registered. Voter eligibility requires that you are: a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age, a district resident for at least 30 days, and a registered voter with the District’s Board of Registry or with the Suffolk County Board of Elections. District voter registration applies only to voting in the William Floyd School District. Residents may register at any William Floyd school through May 9, 2023 or at the District Office through May 11, 2023. Voter registration at District Office will close at 5 p.m. on May 11, 2023, but will continue throughout the date of the vote at the Suffolk County Board of Elections. Absentee applications are available at the links below or by calling the district clerk. Please also see below to verify voter eligibility or contact District Clerk Carolyn Visintin at (631) 874-1117.