Residents will head to the polls on Tuesday to decide on their local districts’ 2026-27 budgets, school board candidates, and special propositions.
The largest tax increase to go before the public is in the South Country School District, which is considering a 13.45% hike. Facing a massive budget shortfall, the district was bailed out by legislation providing it with an advance on its share of the state lottery proceeds.
The school board presented a $150.7 million spending plan, which is a 2.43% increase from last year. This exceeds the district’s 5.52% tax-cap limit, requiring a 60% majority vote to override the restriction.
BAYPORT-BLUE POINT Voters will consider an $88,387,020 budget, a 0.85% decrease from last year. The plan still carries a 2.75% tax increase, exceeding the district’s tax-cap limit and requiring a 60% vote to override.
CENTER MORICHES Voters are looking at a $56,193,689 budget, a 1.69% increase over 2025-2026. The corresponding tax rate amounts to a 2.93% hike, which is equal to the district’s tax-cap limit.
EAST MORICHES The district is proposing a $33,774,430 plan, a 3.30% increase from the current budget. It is at the state-imposed 2.42% tax-cap limit.
EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR The proposed $122,931,579 plan represents a 3.14% increase from the current $119,194,650 budget. It will require a 3.54% tax increase, which is within the state limit.
LONGWOOD The district’s $326 million plan is 3.49% more than the year before. It carries a tax-cap-compliant 2.84% increase.
MIDDLE COUNTRY A $315,378,259 spending plan is 3.52% higher than last year and will require a 2.33% tax increase to fund it. The district will remain within the cap.
MILLER PLACE The Board of Education has put forth an $86,174,545 budget, a 1.31% increase. This is equal to the district’s 2.33% tax-cap limit.
MOUNT SINAI Voters will consider a 4.13% budget increase to $73,656,764. If approved, taxes will go up 0.72%, equaling the district’s tax-cap limit.
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD A proposed $252,223,893 budget is 2.83% higher than the previous year’s. Taxes will go up 3.15% if approved, an amount within the tax cap.
PORT JEFFERSON A $50,531,381 plan is 2.28% higher than last year, staying within the 1.99% tax cap.
SACHEM The trustees have put forth a $387,971,218 budget, 1.83% more than last year. Their 2.10% tax increase is within the cap.
SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER A proposed $90,034,735 budget represents a 0.80% increase. The associated tax increase is 2.84% and is within the cap.