Carmel schools tout ‘historic’ tax rate cut in proposed budget 

Representatives from the Carmel Central School District appeared before the Carmel Town Board Wednesday night, May 6, to promote the district’s proposed 2026-27 budget, highlighting what they called a “historic” reduction in the school tax rate despite rising costs and a modest increase in the overall tax levy. 

The proposed $153 million budget represents a 3.7 percent spending increase over the current year while lowering the tax rate by one-tenth of 1 percent, according to district officials. Voters will decide on the spending plan later this month. 

School Board Vice President John Curzio said the district was mindful of the financial pressures facing residents. 

“School taxes comprise about two-thirds of one’s property tax bill,” Curzio told the Town Board. “We also know that our constituents are being squeezed by rising prices at the gas pump, at the grocery store, etc.” 

Curzio noted the proposed reduction follows a 0 percent tax levy increase in 2024 and a 0.74 pecent increase in 2025. 

Superintendent Michael Plotkin said the district was able to keep the tax rate flat by relying on conservative fiscal planning and reserve funds while maintaining educational programs and services. 

“Our budget motto is ‘Every student counts and every dollar matters,’” Plotkin said. “We’re able to offer our taxpayers … a historic tax decrease, although modest, significant and symbolic of our commitment to our community.” 

Plunkett pointed to the district’s latest fiscal stress score from the New York State comptroller, which showed a zero score for fiscal stress indicators, signaling what he described as strong financial management practices. 

Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, Operations and Human Resources Kenneth Silver said roughly $102 million of the budget is funded through property taxes, with the remainder coming largely from state aid. 

Silver said the district plans to use approximately 11 percent of its reserve funds next year to help offset costs while avoiding a larger tax increase. 

“We have a big reserve for health insurance, which is going up dramatically, and we’re able to use that,” he said. 

District officials also cited escalating transportation, healthcare and special education costs as ongoing budget challenges. Plotkin additionally criticized New York’s proposed electric school bus mandate, saying the transition could cost the district as much as $50 million in infrastructure upgrades and equipment.