Politics & Government
Mayor and School Board Letter to Port Jefferson Residents About the LIPA Tax Challenge
A letter from the Port Jefferson School Board and Mayor Margot Garant to Village residents concerning the news about the tax challenge filed by LIPA to Brookhaven Town.
Dear Port Jefferson Residents,
The headlines in today's Newsday reveal that LIPA and National Grid have filed suit against the Town of Brookhaven alleging that the Port Jefferson power plant is over-assessed for purposes of taxation. This action represents a potentially serious threat to our village and school district. Property taxes and PILOTs paid by LIPA and National Grid represent 40% of our local school district revenue. They also are substantial sources of revenue for the village, library, and fire district. Any large reduction in those payments would have adverse effects on the community of Port Jefferson.
Anticipating the possibility of this threat, the Village and School Boards, together, formed a joint LIPA Task Force to develop plans for protecting our community. The joint committee convened earlier this year and is meeting regularly to gather and share information as we consider strategy. We have met with Senator LaValle and Assemblyman Englebright and, in addition, we are working with other town, county, state, and federal officials to understand and manage the impact of this developing issue. We are also engaging directly with LIPA and National Grid. In addition, both boards have allocated money to advocate for new investment in the Port Jefferson power plant. Such a renewed commitment would be in the best interest of not only Port Jefferson residents, but of all Long Island residents.
Given the significance of the issue for the Port Jefferson community, it is important that we all work together to preserve the character of our village and the educational opportunities for our children. To this end, the Village and School Boards will be hosting a "town hall" meeting at the Village Center on November 17, 2010 at 7 PM. We invite you to join us then to learn more, voice your concerns, and share your ideas.
Margot Garant, Mayor, Port Jefferson
Mark Doyle, Vice-President, Board of Education
Dennis Kahn, Chair, Board of Education LIPA Committee
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