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Tax Cap Q&A Q. When does the "tax cap" law go into effect? A. The law was passed in June 2011 and goes into effect for school districts beginning with the 2012/13 fiscal year. Q. Does the "tax cap" law mean that my property taxes can't increase by more than 2%? A. No. The law does not cap an individual's school tax bill. The "cap" applies to the total school tax levy, which is the total amount in property taxes the school district can collect. Increases in individual school tax bills are often different than increases in the overall levy due to a variety of factors, including the assessed valuation in the community. The legislation also includes certain exemptions, which may result in a district's tax levy limit being above 2%. Each district will use a complex, eight-step formula developed by the state to determine its tax levy limit. Q. Do I still get to vote on the school budget? A. Yes. Registered, eligible voters will still have the opportunity to vote on the third Tuesday in May. Voting in the Westhampton Beach School District will take place on Tuesday, May 15 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the High School Large Group Instruction Room. Q. May a school district exceed the tax levy limit? A. Yes. School districts have the option of exceeding the tax levy limit. A budget exceeding the tax levy limit would require approval by 60% of eligible, participating voters. Q. How can I get involved and have my voice heard in the budget process? A. The Board of Education and administration encourage community members to attend Board of Education meetings and budget workshops. Your input is needed more than ever as we navigate through very challenging fiscal times. Last Modified on February 13, 2012
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