Livingston Manor Central School will host its annual budget hearing, an informational session on the capital project proposals and a chance to meet the candidates running for school board starting at 6 p.m. May 2 in the LMCS old gym.
Voters will go to the polls May 16 to decide on a $19,365,346 million budget, two capital project proposals, a measure to authorize a $10 million capital reserve fund, and candidates for two school board seats.
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 slightly increased 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, required by the state. The remainder of the gap will be closed by appropriating $650,000 in fund balance. More details on the budget can be found at https://www.lmcs.us/page/budge... and in a mailer that will be sent out 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/capit...
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.
Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 16 in the Livingston Manor Central School District gymnasium at 19 School St.