THOMAS R.

SUOZZI
COUNTY EXECUTIVE

THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE BUILDING

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
1550 FRANKLIN AVENUE
MINEOLA, NY 11501

May 6, 2009
Dear Superintendent:

School districts across New York State are increasingly working to hold the line on property tax
increases. As Chairman of the State Commission on Property Tax Relief, I commend your collective
efforts.

This year, for example, less than 60 of the State’s nearly 700 school districts proposed increases
above 4 percent. Since the 2004-2005 school year, there has been a downward trend in the average
proposed school property tax increase from 8.73% that year to only 2.1% during this current year.
Specifically, proposed increases for all years were as follows:

• 2004-2005: 8.73%
• 2005-2006: 7.48%
• 2006-2007: 6.06%
• 2007-2008: 4.26%
• 2008-2009: 3.68%
• 2009-2010: 2.10%

Despite these encouraging statistics, property taxpayers face an unsustainable burden. Our
Commission has proposed many recommendations, but I am fully aware that school districts see relief
from state laws and unfunded mandates as their number one priority. We fully understand that such relief
would give you the flexibility to more effectively address your ever-growing expenses.

The Commission on Property Tax Relief report identified several major drivers of expense growth
for school districts. Among these are salaries, healthcare and pensions, debt service, mandates related to
special education, and other operating expenses such as transportation and energy. We also examined the
broader expense category of small school districts.

To better understand your budgets and proposed property tax increases, I would appreciate your
responding to the following brief questions. Please email your responses to TSuozzi@nassaucountyny.gov.

1. What were the most significant increases in expenses, by percentage and dollar amount, in your
newly proposed budgets?
2. Were there any unique circumstances in your school district that contributed to your expense or
the property tax growth?
3. What are three changes in state law that would have the most positive impacts on your budget?

Thank you for taking the time to respond to these questions. I will continue to urge
implementation of state law changes to give school districts flexibility over their spending.

Sincerely,

Thomas R. Suozzi
Nassau County Executive