Bill > S06489

This bill addresses an unexpected budget surplus in the East Ramapo Central School District for the 2024-2025 school year. In 2024, the school board initially proposed a 1% budget increase, but the New York Commissioner of Education directed a 4.38% tax levy increase, citing a severe budget deficit. After collecting over $6 million in additional taxes, an external audit revealed that the district actually had between $30 million and $100 million in unrestricted funds. The bill mandates that the tax levying body of East Ramapo must refund the excess taxes collected to each taxpayer, specifically the portion above the originally proposed 1% increase. Importantly, taxpayers will not need to submit an application for the refund, and the full refund must be paid within 90 days of the act's effective date. The bill also requires the town of Ramapo and the school district to provide a detailed report of the refund disbursement to various state officials within 120 days, including making the report publicly available online. The state comptroller and Department of Education will monitor the refund process, with potential penalties for non-compliance. The act is designed to ensure taxpayers are reimbursed for erroneously collected school taxes and to promote transparency in local educational finance.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6489