School District Predicts Possible $1.2 Mil Shortfall For Next Year

District Superintendent Susan Agruso said at Tuesday evening’s board meeting that initial budget projections show the district is looking at a $1.2 million budget gap for next year assuming that there is no change in staffing, programs or revenue.

Agruso stressed the figures are very preliminary and that the numbers would change by February.

“This is just to give you a good feeling as to what we are dealing with,” said Agruso.

Assuming no change in programs, staffing or revenue, the budget increase for the next school year would be about $2.3 million. The current budget is $79,11,079. Next year’s projected budget is $81,451,788, a $2.3 million increase over last due largely to teacher step increases, retirement and health insurance costs.

A two-percent property tax cap put in place by Gov. Andrew Cuomo limits the tax levy put on residents, leaving a $1,148,112 difference between the current year’s budget and the 2012-2013 roll over budget. In order to meet that gap, a 3.93% increase in the tax rate would have to be put in place.

“We aren’t doing that (type of tax increase). We know that isn’t the norm,” said Agruso.  “We have to get it somewhere. Something has to give.”

Budget workshops will begin in February and though the gap is not good news, Agruso says it is better than prior years.

“It’s a little more positive. It’s still difficult, but not the four to five million we have been looking at in the past,” she said.

Revenue (includes fund

balance, reserves, other)

* Difference between roll over budget and capped budget- ($1,148,112)