Residents to decide on $11.77 million budget proposal
On Tuesday, May 21, Harrisville Central School District residents will vote on a proposed spending plan for the 2024-25 school year, which stays within the state-mandated tax levy limit, or “cap.” Budget approval requires a simple majority of votes (50% plus one).
Polls will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. in the Harrisville Central School Library, 14371 Pirate Lane, Harrisville.
In addition to voting on the $11,774,879 budget proposal, residents will elect two members to the board of education and vote on a $315,990 proposition to purchase one 70-passenger school bus and one 66-passenger school bus.
The proposed budget calls for a spending increase of $210,228 or 1.82%, over the current year’s budget. Much of the increase can be attributed to employee salary, health insurance and retirement benefit cost increases.
Part of the proposed spending plan also involves a $100,000 capital outlay project to make improvements in the cafeteria and continue installing energy-efficient LED lighting in additional classrooms. Approximately 82%, or $82,000, of the money will be returned to the district in the form of future state aid, reducing the cost to taxpayers to $18,000.
District leaders are proposing a tax levy increase of $170,191, or 3.99%, which is below the district’s calculated tax levy limit, or “cap,” required by the state. While final assessment figures are not available until August, it is projected that homeowners with an assessment of $100,000 will see their annual taxes decrease by approximately $254, without the STAR exemption.
“We believe this proposed spending plan best balances the needs of our students while remaining sensitive to our taxpayers,” said Superintendent Rob Finster.
During the budget development process, it became clear the district would have to proactively reduce its labor costs to ensure its financial stability. As a result of lower state aid projections and continued declines in student enrollment, the budget proposal includes the reduction of at least four full-time equivalent (FTE) positions through staff retirements and resignations. The reductions include one teacher position, two teaching assistant positions and a cleaner position.
“These decisions were not at all easy to make,” said Finster. “However, we believe this plan will allow us to maintain a financially secure path forward for the district while still offering the same rigorous academic programs that our families and community have come to expect from us.”
Harrisville residents are encouraged to attend the district’s Annual Public Hearing on Monday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the Harrisville Central School Library.
More information about the 2024-25 proposed budget is also available by calling the District Office at 315-543-2707.
On the ballot
Proposition I – 2024-25 Budget
Shall the Board of Education be authorized to expend monies in the proposed 2024-2025 budget in the amount of $11,774,879?
Proposition II – School Bus Purchase
Shall the Board of Education be authorized to purchase one (1) 70-passenger school bus at an estimated maximum cost of $158,195 and one (1) 66-passenger school bus at an estimated cost of $157,795, all at an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $315,990, less trade-in value, if any, and that such costs, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax to be collected in annual installments; and, in anticipation of such tax, debt obligations of the school district as may be necessary not to exceed $315,990 shall be issued, or the school district may enter into an installment purchase contract if the Board of Education determines that it is in the best interest of the school district to finance the purchase in that method?
Board of Education election
Harrisville voters will elect two members to the board of education. The two five-year terms will begin July 1, 2024 (expiring June 30, 2029).
Candidates
- Kathy Felio (incumbent)
- Tennille Schmitt (incumbent)
Budget vote day is May 21
Polls will be open from 1-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, in the Harrisville Central School Library.
What would the proposed tax levy increase mean for my tax bill?
The proposed budget would increase the tax levy—the total amount of property taxes raised by the district—by 3.99%, or $170,191. Residents’ tax bills are determined by several factors that are out of the district’s control, including assessment levels and equalization rates. Equalization rates are determined by the state’s Office of Real Property Services to better reflect property’s actual market value.
How is the tax levy different from the tax rate?
The tax levy is the total amount of money a school district raises in taxes each year from all property owners in the district. Tax rates are calculated by dividing the total amount of the levy by the total taxable assessed value in a community. Tax rates are affected by changes in both municipal assessments and state equalization rates, which are determined in the summer. The tax rate is used to calculate each individual property tax bill.
Does the percentage of increase in the tax levy equal the percentage of increase in the tax rate?
No. Typically, the tax rate increase is lower than the tax levy increase. New home construction and businesses added to the tax roll can lower the tax rate.
What is the state’s School Tax Reduction (STAR) program?
New York State’s School Tax Relief Program, or STAR, provides partial school property tax savings to eligible homeowners. Most New Yorkers who own and live in their homes are eligible for STAR savings on their primary residences. Because the STAR program is not a district program, taxpayers STAR savings are not factored into a school budget.
Budget Q & A
More information about STAR can be found at: www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/.