By Hank Russell
Citing the shutdown of the federal government — which has dragged on for over a month — Oyster Bay town officials are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to extend the school property tax deadline of November 10 by a minimum of 30 days without the imposition of a penalty.
“Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and resulting economic hardship facing thousands of federal employees and contractors across Long Island, the Town of Oyster Bay has been inundated with requests from residents seeking relief,” said Town Supervisor Joe Saladino. “Many of these individuals are experiencing delayed or suspended pay, creating significant financial strain on families who are struggling to meet essential expenses.”
“With the school property tax deadline of November 10 rapidly approaching, a substantial number of affected residents have expressed deep concern about their ability to make timely payments,” said Tax Receiver Jeffrey Pravato. “School property taxes represent a major household obligation, and the sudden loss of a paycheck — through no fault of these workers — places them all in an untenable position.”
School taxes are not set by the Town of Oyster Bay, but they are collected by the Town Receiver of Taxes. Deadlines for collections are imposed by New York State. The town said that, under these extreme circumstances, they are asking the governor to issue an executive order extending the deadline for payment of the first half of school taxes by a minimum of 30 days, without the imposition of any penalties or interest.
“This relief would provide immediate and meaningful assistance to federal workers and their families during this period of uncertainty, while also supporting our local communities as they navigate the economic impacts of the shutdown,” Saladino added.
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the governor’s office. “This political request is a distraction and a transparent attempt to shift blame from where it belongs,” said Hochul spokesperson Gordon Tepper. “We would encourage the supervisor to call on his colleagues in Congress to end the GOP shutdown and fulfill their basic responsibilities.”