Livingston Manor Central School District Board of Education on Wednesday, April 19, approved a $19,365,346 budget proposal that will go before voters May 16. Also on the ballot that day will be two capital project proposals, a measure to authorize a $10 million capital reserve fund, and candidates for two school board seats.
"Our budget proposal maintains our high quality programs, while keeping our tax levy increase at the tax cap," Superintendent John Evans said. "The two capital project propositions would improve the health and safety infrastructure for our students and the overall efficiency of our school building."
The budget proposal calls for a spending increase of $573,373, or 3.05%, over the current school year’s budget. Most of the increase can be attributed to recurring expenses that rise each year. While state aid increased slightly this year, the district is facing a shortfall of $934,138. To close the gap, district leaders are proposing a tax levy increase of 3.08%, or $284,138, which meets the district’s calculated tax levy limit, or cap. The remainder of the gap will be closed by appropriating $650,000 in fund balance.
More information on the budget will be available in the coming days at https://www.lmcs.us/page/budge... as well in a mailer being sent to all residents in May.
Also on the ballot are two capital project propositions: a $21 million building project and a $7 million proposal to repair the pedestrian bridge and flood walls. More details on the proposals were distributed in April and are available at https://www.lmcs.us/page/capital-project-2023.
The final proposition on the ballot would establish a new capital reserve fund of $10 million over the period of 10 years. Reserve funds allow districts to save incrementally for the future, mitigating the financial impact of major, non-recurring or unforeseen expenditures. They also can reduce or even eliminate a district’s need to raise taxes.
Voters will also be asked to elect two people to serve three-year terms on the school board. Four candidates submitted petitions: Nicole Park, Jill Smith, Shawn Dutcher and Amy LeRoy.
The budget hearing will be at 6 p.m. May 2 in the auditorium. At that time there will also be an informational forum on the capital project proposals featuring representatives from SEI Design Group and Schoolhouse Construction Services, who Livingston Manor has been working with on these projects. Candidates running for school board will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and talk to attendees.
Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 16 in the Livingston Manor Central School District gymnasium at 19 School St.