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Babylon remembers Dr. Martin Luther King...Page 3
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VOL. 60 NO. 5
JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4, 2026
$1.00
ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING MEDICAID GUARDIANSHIPS Rochelle L. Verron, Es q. ESTATE & TRUST Founder & ADMINISTRATION Managing Partner
MTA Police kiosk coming to Babylon train station By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Courtesy: NYS Comptroller
NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, right.
Tax cap holds at 2 percent Poses challenges for LI schools as cost of living rises By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com School officials will again be limited to a 2 percent increase in their tax levy growth for the 2025–26 school year, according to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The cap also applies to 10 cities statewide, marking the fifth consecutive year the levy growth has been held to that level. The decision arrives as Long Island continues to see rising costs. The cost of living on Long Island has increased an estimated 24 to 26 percent since 2020, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data using the New York metro region as a proxy. The cap, first implemented in 2012, limits property tax levy increases for school districts and most local governments outside New York City to either 2 percent or the rate of inflation — whichever is less — with some exceptions. Although districts can override the cap with voter approval, DiNapoli’s office calculated the inflation factor at 2.63 percent,
meaning the 2 percent cap remains in effect for those with a June 30, 2027, fiscal year end. “School district and municipal officials must continue to find ways to deliver services efficiently as they deal with higher costs and the potential impact of federal actions,” DiNapoli said. The cap applies to a district’s total tax levy — not individual budget lines — and generally covers salaries, supplies, utilities, contracts, dependent special districts such as water or fire, and most debt service. “It should come as no surprise to any trustee, board of education, or school district personnel that the calculated rate of inflation exceeded the 2 percent tax cap,” said Christopher Faplillo, president of the West Babylon Board of Education. “We must look no further than the bills on our kitchen table to understand the financial implications facing school districts and communities across Long Island.” Faplillo added that what school leaders CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
The Village of Babylon is partnering with the MTA Police Department and Suffolk County Police to improve safety at the Babylon train station with the installation of a new MTA Police kiosk. Mayor Mary Adams said the move follows “a slight uptick” in incidents at the station, based on emergency calls received by the Babylon Fire Department and village officials. The kiosk will be installed once the main portion of ongoing renovations at the station is completed, which is expected by June. “The safety of our residents is a top priority,” Adams said, adding that the MTA Police presence at the station will be visible and consistent, depending on scheduling. While construction continues, MTA officers will maintain regular patrols at the station, and additional “train patrol” officers have been assigned to ride the trains into Babylon, the last stop before the railroad yard. Patrol shifts have also been added within the yard itself. The initiative drew praise from residents on social media, including longtime Babylon advocate Liz Peverley. “I’m proud of our village leadership,” Peverley wrote on Facebook. “They have been working on this for years.”
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
Babylon Village Mayor Mary Adams wants to not only welcome travelers to the Babylon Railroad but to ensure their safety as well. Others expressed hope the effort could serve as a model for other stations. “Why doesn’t every station already have one? Seems like a no-brainer,” resident Andrew Sonin posted. Adams called safety throughout the Village as one of her administration’s top priorities and thanked MTA Inspector John Castagna, MTA Director of Government and Community Relations Nick Fasano, and the village’s Code Enforcement team for their partnership in developing the enhanced safety plan and helping coordinate the construction.