Bridgehampton Voters Readily Approve Tax Hike Four Times Proposed Cap

District an 8.6 percent increase in the school tax levy on Tuesday, more than four times the proposed   Gov. Andrew Cuomo and next year.

But the vote was so overwhelming — 71 percent in favor of the $10.6 million budget for the 2011-12 school year — that the district could have easily exceeded the 60 percent threshold that some in Albany have pitched for piercing the tax cap.

If the option to pierce the cap is not included in the final law expected to be adopted before the next school budget season, it could handcuff the district.

Bridgehampton Superintendent Lois Favre, Ed.D., said Thursday that "maintaining momentum will be difficult across the state with a 2-percent cap, and equally so here in Bridgehampton."

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"It is what it is — we must keep the focus on what’s best for students and get through these difficult times," she continued. "Our goal is always to maintain programs — no one wants to lose what’s important to students."

Favre attributed the high voter support for the budget to community values.

"The community supports its students and understands the value of investing in our youth — ultimately the best investment any of us can make," she said.

Favre said the district also pushed hard to get the budget in front of stakeholders in a timely manner before the vote, including parents, the Parent Teacher Organization and the . Additionally, the district used its website to distribute information during the budgeting process, she added. "Building relationships and ongoing communication go a long way in securing support," she said.

Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center Funding Passes

Voter also approved, 131-57, a proposition to raise an additional $125,000 in taxes to contract for child care services for the 2011-12 school year with the .

"We are always happy to know that the community supports the center and what we do here," Executive Director said Wednesday. "We do wonderful things here for the community and their children. We serve many of the parents that need a safe place for their children. So I am very happy that the budget was passed."

In addition to receiving money from the school district, the center fund-raises, including an annual appeal that is very successful, Cannon said.