Requires tax levy and percentage increase to be sent to all voters

2 Co-sponsors

• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Catharine Young

BILL NUMBER:S466A

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring tax levy information and percentage increase to be sent to all voters

Purpose

Requires tax levy and percentage increase to be sent to all voters.

Summary of specific provisions

Sections 1 and 2 paragraph a of subdivision 2-a of section 2022 of the education law, proposes that any increase of the tax levy within the two-thousand seven--two thousand eight school year be included in projected contingency budget.

Section 3 amends sections 1716 of the education law adding two new subdivisions 8 and 9. This would require school districts to mail a tax report card to all qualified voters of the school district.

Section 4 amends section 1608 of the education law by adding subdivisions 8 and 9. These amendments require that the cards be mailed no later than six days prior to the annual meeting and election.

Justification

Constituents who face the burden of increased taxes deserve a period to bring forth their concerns regarding tax levy information to the board of trustees for a school district. The mailing of an informational tax card with relevant information pertaining to the amount of increase or decrease of: student enrollment and the projected tax rate(s). Individuals responsible for controlling the tax rate will be held at a greater level of accountability to the tax paying public that the school district resides.

Prior legislative history

S.5038 of 2007/2008 S.3272 of 2009/2010

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.