Babylon officials OK slight tax rate hike for budget

Babylon Town has adopted its 2016 budget, which includes a slight tax increase that would be offset by state funds for most residents.

The town board last week voted unanimously to adopt the $142,040,732 budget, which includes a .35 percent tax increase, or about $24 for the average home assessed at $3,800. However, because the budget comes in under the state tax cap of .73 percent, most town residents should qualify for the state's Property Tax Freeze Credit program. The program allows for refunds on tax increases, provided a municipality's budget falls under the tax cap for 2015 and 2016, and if the municipality filed a Government Efficiency Plan by June of this year.

To receive the refund check, the property must be the owner's primary residence and total household income must be $500,000 or less.