Board raises income limits for senior and disabled property-tax exemption

What happened

At a Jan 7, 2026 public hearing the board took up raising the income limit for the 50% senior and disabled exemption from $29,000 to $42,500, and the top of the sliding scale from $37,400 to $50,900. A later meeting confirms the board adopted the increase in January.

Why it matters to families

More older and disabled homeowners qualify for lower school taxes. The cost shifts to other taxpayers, which is why assessors urged caution. Sachem still sits below the state maximum of $50,000 to $58,400.

The evidence

The business office said Sachem had not changed these limits since 2009 and called the move a 25% increase to be reviewed next year. The Aug 26, 2026 recording states the board "adopted" the new thresholds in January. A volunteer firefighter exemption (10%) was adopted in December 2025.

The source