Nolan Weighs in on Cuomo's Tax Cap

The proposed property tax cap in New York would hinder the financial operation of the Sachem Central School District, according to Superintendent James Nolan.

“I can’t think of a person who would not love a tax cap,” he said. “The problem is not solely a tax cap. The problem is that schools are funded by taxes and state aid.  If a tax cap is implemented and we continue to lose funding from the state, how will we operate or fund our schools?”

Sachem, already hit with a $14 million cut in state aid for the 2011-12 school year, could face more reductions for 2012-13.

"I applaud the New York State Senate for promptly passing my property tax cap proposal with strong bipartisan support,” Cuomo said in a statement. “This measure will provide a real reprieve to homeowners who are struggling to make ends meet. I, along with countless New Yorkers, look forward to this cap becoming a reality, as taxpayers across the state cannot afford to wait any longer for relief."

Cuomo has said that such a cap would limit property-tax increased to no more then two percent and would begin for the 2012-13 school year.

Sachem is set to lose 93 instructional staff members after this school year because of decreasing enrollment and financial constraints. A loss of more state aid and a tax cap would certainly make Sachem reassess its budget lines even closer then it already has for 2012-13.

Sachem Patch is still waiting for comment from Sen. Lee Zeldin, Sachem school board president Rob Scavo and Sachem Assistant Superintendent Bruce Singer.