School tax rate will rise more than 3.49% because of the LIPA settlement

What happened

The board set the 2026-27 tax levy about $3.1 million lower, because the power utility LIPA will pay a fixed payment instead of regular school tax. The levy rises about 1.74%. Because LIPA land comes off the tax rolls, the district said homeowners' tax rate will still go up by more than 3.49%.

Why it matters to families

Suffolk County no longer covers the gap between LIPA's bill and its payment, so other taxpayers cover the rest. The exact new rate was not known on September 30, 2026.

The evidence

The LIPA PILOT slides (Sept 16, 2026) show the 2.48% assessed value drop and 0.79% extra rate increase. At the September 30, 2026 meeting staff recommended setting the levy as described and said final rates were not yet set.

The source