Imagine waiting five years for a letter that could cost you hundreds of dollars. That's the frustrating reality for some homeowners in Oyster Bay, who were slapped with late penalties for tax payments that mysteriously vanished in the mail.
The Stagnari's Story: Valerie and James Stagnari, a couple from Plainview, mailed their school tax payment of almost $10,000 in December 2020, six days before the due date. But the check's journey took an unexpected turn. It arrived at the town's tax receiver's office five years later, in December 2025.
But here's the twist: the town had already charged them a $400 late penalty in February 2021, leaving the couple perplexed. They reported the missing check to the post office and reluctantly paid the bill again, including the late fee.
A Puzzling Phenomenon: This isn't an isolated incident. Newsday uncovered another case where a homeowner's tax payment, mailed in August 2025, arrived five months late, resulting in a $57.12 penalty. These delays have left town officials scratching their heads.
The Refund Saga: Last week, the Oyster Bay town board took action, refunding the penalties to both property owners. Jeffrey Pravato, the town's receiver of taxes, humorously noted, "Not only does the tax receiver's office taketh, it giveth back." His office is tasked with collecting property tax payments, a process that has its challenges.
Valerie Stagnari, now 76, recalls her confusion and frustration when the late fee notice arrived. She reached out to the U.S. Postal Service for answers, only to be told that losing registered or certified letters is nearly impossible. But as she pointed out, the impossible had happened.
The Stagnaris' quest for answers led them from their local post office branch to a national office, but the reason for the five-year delay remains a mystery. The couple learned a hard lesson and now opts for online payments, avoiding the risk of mail theft, which town officials warn against.
Online Payments to the Rescue: Oyster Bay officials strongly encourage residents to pay property taxes online, citing the two unusual cases and the potential for mail theft. The town introduced an online tax payment portal in 2016, which has gained popularity, tripling the number of digital payments in a decade. A small $1.75 fee is charged, but town officials argue it's a small price to pay for security.
The U.S. Postal Service acknowledges that such lengthy delays are rare but admits that errors and delays can occur despite their best efforts. They encourage customers to report any incidents.
A Happy Ending? Valerie Stagnari is relieved that the saga is over and grateful for the refund. The town is taking steps to enhance security, considering changes to their tax payment envelopes to deter thieves. However, the refunds will be sent by mail, which some might find ironic.
And this is the part most people miss: while the Stagnaris' story had a positive outcome, it raises questions about the reliability of the postal system and the potential for similar delays to impact others. Should residents bear the burden of late fees when mail delays are out of their control? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
