Webutuck 2020-21 budget

WEBUTUCK — Even as the school district was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Webutuck Board of Education (BOE) sat down to crunch numbers for the 2020-21 district budget on Monday, March 16.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the BOE meet via teleconference. The BOE started its discussion with a review of the 2019-20 budget, which included a total budget amount of $23,443,029 and a total tax levy of $14,718,850.

Looking at a rollover budget for 2020-21, the BOE anticipated next year’s budget will come to $24,184,769 with an expected increase of $741,740 or 3.2%. In addition to salaries and benefits, the rollover budget will encompass the district’s debt service, changes made to Dutchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) program and changes made to the special education out-of-district placement program.

At this time, the BOE is looking at an allowable tax cap of 6.32% (or $929,732) and a total tax levy of $15,648,582. The BOE will look at lowering the tax cap while keeping services constant.

Examining the anticipated 2020-21 tax levy, the BOE reviewed several revenue cuts, including a $6,392,079 decrease in state aid; a $32,000 decrease in interest and penalty on taxes; a $30,000 decrease in interest and earnings; a $50,000 decrease in the district’s tuition-aided disabled students; and a $40,000 decrease in the Medicaid Assistance program, as well as a $50,000 BOCES refund for unused services and an anticipated $1.9 million reduction in the appropriated fund balance. The BOE reported the district will need a total of $15,690,690 to fund the rollover.

The BOE said the potential increase in medical costs remains unknown. The district will also need to negotiate contracts for the Webutuck Teachers’ Association and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) to identify any efficiencies or reductions. The district needs to consider if there will be an increase in the town of Amenia’s overall assessment due to an increase in development, like Silo Ridge.

The district could keep the tax levy at 6.32% and its current programs with some small additions. However, the board is also considering a 5.99% tax levy, in which programs would be kept the same by finding some efficiencies and reductions in the budget. All in all, the BOE said a levy that’s any less than 5.99% would have serious implications on services and staff.