District lowers its 2026-27 tax levy after a change in how LIPA pays taxes

What happened

On September 9, 2026 the district said it revised its 2026-27 tax levy from $167,387,402 (up 2.33%) to $164,219,014 (up 0.39%). The utility LIPA will pay a fixed payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) instead of through the levy. The district says Suffolk County used to cover about $1.5 million that LIPA did not pay, and the county can no longer do that, so residents will pick up that share.

Why it matters to families

Homeowners could see a different tax bill than the one voters were told in May. The district says the shift to residents will continue every year.

The evidence

The September 9, 2026 presentation shows the original and revised levy and the +3.24% effect on residents. It does not give a per-home dollar change.

The source