L.B. Board of Ed Adopts State Assessment Relief Plan

Written by Rosemary Leonetti/Syntax

The Long Beach Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution to enable taxpayers to file for property tax assessment reductions made possible through the state’s Superstorm Sandy Relief Act.

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Through this series of new laws that were signed by the governor on Oct. 22, municipalities were granted legal authority to retroactively adjust property tax assessments for storm-damaged properties and allow a tax refund or credit to be issued to any property owners as a result of any downward assessment in property value. On Nov. 25, the Nassau County Legislature is expected to pass a resolution enabling taxpayers to file for reductions, clearing the way for the Long Beach School district taxpayers to file for these reductions.

In order to qualify for such a reduction, property owners must make a written request to the county assessor’s office by Jan. 21, 2014. Those residents who have already filed a Property Damage Review Form (PDRF) with the department of Assessment need not resubmit the form. For more information about filing a PDRF, call the Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500, email NCSandyRelief@nassaucountyny.gov or visit www.mynassauproperty.com. For a copy of the PDRF, visit http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Assessor/documents/Property-Damage-Review-Form.pdf

In addition, the new legislation enables local governments and school districts to use money in capital reserve funds for expenses related to storm recovery, with the condition that these reserve funds be reimbursed with interest over a period of five fiscal years. Under normal circumstances, use or transfer of reserve funds must be approved by public referendum.

Chief Operating Officer Michael DeVito made a presentation on the status of the District’s reserve funds at Nov. 12 board meeting.