Merrick’s Politics and Property Taxes: Is There a Connection?

Ah, Merrick. The town where your neighbor’s lawn sign can tell you how they vote, how they feel about traffic cameras, and—just maybe—why your property taxes feel like a second mortgage. But is there actually a connection between Merrick’s local politics and those eyebrow-raising property tax bills? Spoiler: it’s complicated.

The Short Answer? Yes—but Not How You Think

Local politics absolutely play a role in how tax dollars are collected and spent. In Merrick, a hamlet within the Town of Hempstead, the real power players aren’t flashy mayoral candidates or viral city council rants. It’s the school board, the town board, and—yep—the budget committees. These are the folks shaping everything from sanitation schedules to school renovations. Their decisions trickle down into your tax bill faster than a new levy during budget season.

Town of Hempstead budgets for 2025 show an increase of nearly $55 million over the prior year, with infrastructure and public safety getting hefty slices. Translation? More lights, cleaner parks, maybe fewer raccoons in the trash cans—but also, a bigger bill for you.

School Districts: The Real Puppeteers of Property Taxes

If you’re wondering why your taxes went up again even though your house hasn’t magically grown a second floor, thank the school district. Merrick is served by top-tier public schools like the Merrick Union Free and Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Districts. Over 60% of property tax revenue goes toward education. So when the school board approves new programs or facilities (looking at you, turf fields and STEM labs), your wallet quietly takes the hit.

In 2024–2025, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District budget rose 3.2%, which translates to an extra couple hundred bucks for many homeowners. That’s the price of keeping your zip code's "great schools" bragging rights.

Political Leanings vs. Fiscal Behavior

Merrick leans moderately conservative in voting patterns, but don’t expect that to automatically mean lower taxes. Local Republicans may favor leaner government, but strong community support for school programs, public safety, and suburban amenities keeps budgets from shrinking too much. It's a classic Long Island stance—tight with spending, but not when it comes to education, EMS response time, or snowplows.

And when political differences show up at school board meetings or zoning hearings? Let’s just say it’s democracy... with a side of bagels and passionate shouting.

Assessments: The Wild Card

Let’s not forget how your home gets taxed in the first place. Nassau County reassesses property values periodically, and the process is... let’s just say "opaque." A bump in your assessment doesn’t mean the town hates you—it just means your house is now considered more valuable. Combine that with budget hikes, and your tax bill climbs, regardless of who’s sitting on the board.

Many Merrick homeowners saw assessment increases in 2024, especially in South Merrick where waterfront properties continue to gain value. More value sounds nice—until you open your next tax bill and need a drink.

The Local Election Effect

Municipal elections may not grab headlines, but they absolutely shape your tax landscape. Candidates who run on reform platforms—reining in spending, increasing transparency, adjusting assessment policies—can impact your bill over time. But if voter turnout stays low (which it does, historically), not much changes. In the 2023 Town of Hempstead election cycle, voter turnout was under 30%. That’s less than the percentage of people who actually return their reusable bags to Stop & Shop.

Ready to Make a Smart Move in Merrick—With Eyes Wide Open?

Taxes, politics, school districts... It's a lot. But when you’ve got someone who understands how it all connects, you can buy or sell with confidence—not confusion.

🏡 Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or just trying to figure out if that assessment notice is as scary as it looks—I’ve got your back.

📞 Call, text, or DM me. I’ll help you navigate the real costs of homeownership in Merrick, so there are no surprises—just smart strategy.
Let’s make the numbers work for you.