Most homeowners received their school tax bills in the mail today. Most people probably are not very happy. Many have seen their school tax bills increase by $300 to over $600 a year. The town is not responsible for school taxes. The school districts are independent of the town. We are a tax collector for the schools and guarantee the school districts 100% of the taxes --whether you pay them or not. (If you don't pay the taxes the town is eventually able to take ownership of your property, however). In fairness to the school districts -- most school districts in Greenburgh had small tax hikes this year. The reason why the school taxes went up so much is because the NY State Legislature (thanks to the bad economy) reduced STAR and ENHANCED STAR benefits.
In the late 1990s the State started the STAR program--school tax relief program.The STAR program was designed to reduce residential school taxes. The legislature recognized the fact that the size of a homeowner's school tax has grown by multiples over the years and is, in fact, one of the homeowner's largest expenses, second only to mortgage interest. In order to provide some relief to New York State's homeowners, the STAR program was enacted. There are two STAR programs in effect - one for seniors over the age of 65 who are on fixed incomes and those who are under the age of 65.
The town has compiled a comparison of the impact, by community, of the STAR reductions. If you would like a copy please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com
PAUL FEINER