by Alex Brooks
In a fairly short meeting on April 7, the Hoosick Falls School Board finalized the budget that it will be presenting to the voters next month. The budget of $20,744,112, passed by a unanimous 7-0 vote of the Board, anticipates zero increase in the tax levy. The increase in spending from budget to budget is about $96,000, which is 0.46%. According to school administrators, this is the first time in 12 years that the District has presented a budget with no tax levy increase. The administration and the Board felt that it was imperative to offer a budget that did not increase the burden on the taxpayers in these difficult economic times, and they were pleased to be able to follow through on their intention.
When last presented three weeks ago, the budget still showed a 1% tax levy increase. To get rid of that, Business Administrator Pam Hatfield said they reduced the figure budgeted for fuel oil, in accord with comments made by Board Member Greg Laurin at last month’s meeting, and made some adjustment to BOCES costs as better numbers became available.
The budget is still based on the Governor’s proposed budget, although it is becoming clear that the large cuts in State Aid proposed in that budget will be rescinded. School District Superintendent Ken Facin had some comments for the Board on that subject. He said it appears that funding for the school districts cut back in the Governor’s budget will be restored by money from the Federal stimulus package, but the extra funds may disappear fairly quickly. Facin’s first point was that Governor Paterson, when he announced the budget deal, said he expects the State may have to revisit the budget before the year is out. This could result in mid-year cuts in State aid, and the District should be prepared to deal with that if it should occur. Facin’s second point was that the stimulus money that is funding much of the education aid will only be available for two years, and there could be dramatic cuts when that funding stream dries up. Facin’s third point was that this year’s Hoosick Falls budget benefited from closing two tax certiorari reserves that had excess funds in them. Those are one shot revenue boosts that will not be available in next year’s budget. For all these reasons, Facin felt that if there ends up being a surplus because State aid funding is restored, the District should seek to put that aside to help avoid budget problems next year or possibly even later this year.
Board President David Sutton praised Facin for his pro-active approach to the budget and for finding ways to improve the District’s performance without increasing spending.
Also on the ballot next month will be a proposition for buying two new buses at a total cost of $148,500. Approval of these bus purchases will have no impact on the taxpayer, because 85% is paid by State aid and the remainder will be paid with funds that were set aside in previous years in a bus reserve fund.
Also on the ballot will be election of two School Board members. The School Board members whose terms are expiring are Greg Laurin and Laurie Gormley. Laurin announced at this week’s meeting that he will not be running for another term on the Board, and Gormley indicated that she will be running for re-election. Board President Sutton encouraged citizens to consider running for School Board. Those who would like to run must submit their petitions by Monday, April 20, by 5 pm.
Greg Laurin said, “We can’t assume the budget will pass” just because there is no tax levy increase proposed. He urged the Board to engage in get-out-the-vote activities and asked the citizens not to be complacent about the budget vote.
A Public Hearing on the budget will be held on May 12 at 6 pm, and the vote will be held on May 19 from 9 am to 9 pm.