Letter: Hope for small school tax increase

How many people have opened their tax bills from Brookhaven Town to find that the school tax increase from Three Village Central School District was over 5 percent, not the promised increase of about 4 percent? How many people have subsequently received a notice from their mortgage company that their escrow payments will increase accordingly?

Many residents have probably received an onerous notice like I have, informing me that I will have to pay an extra $1,200 this year. On a fixed income, how long can I tolerate this?

To provide relief from the situation, the State Legislature in 2011 passed the 2 percent tax cap. Our school population has decreased by thousands in the 30 years I've lived here, but our school costs continue to rise due to unneeded, expensive construction, the addition of more administrators and staff, and questionable hiring of consultants.

In the worst economy since the Great Depression, everyone has had to tighten their belts. The tax cap reflects the will of the majority of the residents of New York, not just the special interests. The tax cap is for the benefit of the state economy, and it is time for our school district to abide by the 2 percent limit.

John Blaikie

South Setauket