Parents in the North Rockland School District were not only dealing with the start of the school year, but some saw a $4,000 tax increase overnight.Most residents say they knew a settlement involving the Mirant energy company would cost them more money, but they were shocked to find out how much more. Residents are seeing a tax increase anywhere from 45 ? 80 percent.

Mirant was seeking refunds for years of over-payments at its Lovett station in Haverstraw and the Bowline plant in Stony Point. A recent court ruling lowered the assessments for the energy company and now the district owes Mirant $221 million. So taxpayers are paying an extra $15 million this year.

Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips says no community should have to bear that kind of increase. He says the state needs to help the taxpayers.