April 4, 2017
CANISTEO, NY – Superintendent Jeremy Palotti went over the final budget numbers for the 2017-18 fiscal school year and it looks like there will be no increase in the tax levy thanks to an additional $170,000 in state aid.
With a total budget of $23,306,620, the increase over the 2016-17 budget of $23,306,620 is only minor at .75%. According to Palotti, this will be the first time a many years that the district will not be asking for any increase.
They could have sought a 1.3% increase or an extra $69,588 and stayed under the cap but with a frugal spending philosophy it was not necessary. They were also able to include a new bus into the budget and not have a separate proposition to approve the purchase.
As in the past, the biggest drivers for this year’s budget the 15% rise in health insurance premiums for a total of $400,000. On the plus side retirements and decreased pension cost have helped keep numbers down.
There will be three propositions on the ballot in May:
Proposition 1 is the actual budget.
Proposition 2 will be the 2 open board seats.
Proposition 3 will be the library budget approval.
Voting on the budget will take place May 16th from 10am to 8pm at Sommers Hall and the Greenwood Fire Hall.