Webutuck BOE adopts 2021-22 school budget

WEBUTUCK — The North East (Webutuck) Central School District (WCSD) Board of Education (BOE) adopted the 2021-22 school district budget on Monday, April 19.

Starting at 7 p.m., BOE members met via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bringing the board up to speed, Business Administrator Robert Farrier reminded the board that the 2020-21 adopted budget totaled $23,909,545 while the tax levy totaled $15,600,509. Looking at the proposed 2021-22 school budget, he said next year’s budget has been calculated at $24,798,803, indicating a budget-to-budget increase of 3.72% or $889,258. Breaking down the different sections of next year’s budget, Farrier outlined the various increases and reductions in programs and services that contributed to the final figures.

Because the budget is based on a revenue-driven approach, Farrier said the revenue that is received from the district comes from three main categories: state aid, tax levy and any funding the district may have from its appropriated fund balance. 

Looking at next year’s state aid and other costs, he reported a total reduction of $6,682,074. He also reported a total of $16,216,729 for the tax levy and a reduction of $1.9 million for the appropriated fund balance. 

With the maximum allowable levy totaling 4.41%, Farrier said the BOE intends to bring in a lower levy and reported next year’s proposed levy comes to 3.95%.

Looking at the estimated tax rate, Farrier said the current rate for the 2020-21 school year was calculated at $11.56 per $1,000. The proposed levy for next year was calculated at $12 per $1,000, though Farrier reminded the board that this is an estimate since actual rates will be finalized in August. 

In terms of the estimated tax calculation for homeowners, for an assessed value of $100,000, there will be an increase of $0.44 per $1,000 with an annual increase of $44. For a home with an assessed value of $200,000, there will be an annual increase of $88; for a home with an assessed value of $300,000, there will be an annual increase of $132.

By meeting’s end, the BOE adopted the 2021-22 budget.

For this year’s budget vote, in addition to approving the 2021-22 budget, voter propositions will include the election of four BOE members. On Monday, May 10, the BOE will hold the required public hearing for the budget at 7 p.m. 

The annual school district budget vote will be held from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, in the Webutuck High School gymnasium.