Senator Ken LaValle, (R-Port Jefferson) and Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced today that Governor Cuomo has signed their bill, S.2927/A.4260, into law. This new law will permit the Town of Southampton to make payments from the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund to the East Quogue Union Free School District.

Under current law, the Town of Southampton is permitted to make annual payments from its Community Preservation Fund to certain high-tax school, fire, fire protection, and ambulance districts for lands which have been taken off the tax rolls. As such, the Riverhead Central School District, Hampton Bays Union Free School District, and the Eastport-South Manor Central School District are eligible to receive Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for protected lands within such school districts to help mitigate the impact of the lost tax revenues.

“This new law will add East Quogue, a financially stressed school district, to the list just in time to likely receive its first payment for next year’s budget, estimated at over $1.2 million, noted Assemblyman Fred Thiele. “It is important to note that this new law will not affect payments other districts are currently receiving.”

Senator LaValle said, “I am pleased that we are able to assist the East Quogue School District with this legislation. It is an equitable way to assist the district by restoring lost revenue, and enabling students to continue to receive the quality education that they deserve.”

Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said, “The Town thanks Senator LaValle and Assemblyman Thiele for their efforts in helping to secure these PILOT funds for the East Quogue School District as a qualifying district. We will continue to work with the Senator, Assemblyman, the school district and the Community Preservation Fund to provide whatever support we can.”

Robert Long, Assistant Superintendent/Principal of East Quogue School District noted, “We'd like to thank Assemblyman Thiele and Senator LaValle for their advocacy and personal attention offered to East Quogue. We are also appreciative of Supervisor Throne Holst and the Community Preservation Fund. We are extremely pleased of the bill's passage into law and the needed tax relief it will offer our community. It's an exciting and important day for our hamlet.”