North Bellmore prepares for budget vote that could bump tax rate

North Bellmore School District families have two proposals to vote on that could lead to a jump in school taxes.
The items up for vote are the actual budget, which proposes a 3.4 percent tax hike, and a community-sponsored initiative to increase busing for students in grades 4 through 6.
The bus proposal is not included in the budget, but if it passes it would lead to the overall school tax levy in North Bellmore increasing by over 5 percent.
An increase over five percent would surpass the district's local tax cap -- meaning the budget would have to be approved by at least 60 percent of voters.
But if the transportation measure does not pass, the budget would stay under cap and would only need a simple majority to pass.
North Bellmore and Greenport are the only two school districts that could override the tax cap on Long Island.
The vote takes place on Tuesday.