Suffolk Reporter

Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) and Senator Mario R. Mattera (R,C) have announced that Assembly/Senate Bill A.6310-A/S.7105, which they jointly sponsored, has passed in both houses. This bill establishes a power plant tax assessment challenge reserve fund to prevent increases in the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District’s real property tax levy or tax rate. The need for this reserve fund arose from revenue decreases over the years for the school district.

Brown and Mattera assert that this bill will ensure necessary funding remains available for the school district when needed.

“I am very pleased this bill passed in the Assembly and Senate,” said Brown. “The LIPA tax grievance case will have a crippling effect on taxpayers and our students. That’s why we could not afford inaction. This bill permits the Northport-East Northport School District to create a reserve fund to prevent the need for property tax increases because of the LIPA Tax Certiorari Settlement and the resulting decrease in revenue from the Northport Power Station. The Settlement glide path will phase out over the next several years. This Reserve Fund will ensure that when the glide path ends, our taxes will not skyrocket and force the school district to cut services or programs that are desperately needed by our students.”

“Reserve funds will help stabilize the significant shift in tax liability from LIPA to the taxpayers. This bill will allow the school district to better plan and decrease the impact of LIPA devaluing the power station.”

“The passage of this crucial legislation marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District and its students,” stated Sen. Mattera. “The LIPA tax grievance case threatens to impose undue burdens on our taxpayers and jeopardize essential educational services. By establishing this reserve fund, we are proactively ensuring that the school district remains financially stable and shielded from unexpected fiscal pressures."

Mattera added, "Collaborating with Assemblyman Brown on this initiative has been instrumental in aligning our efforts to safeguard our community's educational standards and financial health. This bill reflects our shared dedication to putting our students' needs at the forefront, and I look forward to the positive impacts it will have on our community when signed into law by the Governor.”