Bethlehem A to Z heading

Budget

School Tax Rates

Listed below are the school tax rates for the past several years. Tax rates are per $1,000 of assessed property value.  

Town  2011-12  2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08  
Bethlehem $20.10 $19.64 $19.10 $18.79 $18.09  
New Scotland $20.31 $20.27 $18.90 $18.46 $17.60  

The tax rates differ between the two towns because of equalization rates set by the New York State Office of Real Property Services. Equalization rates are established in an effort to make sure the tax levy is fairly distributed when one taxing entity (the district) spans multiple municipalities, which may use different assessment practices. The district will sets final tax rates each August, after the towns finalize assessment figures and the state sets the equalization rates.