Norwich BOE approves budget; proposed tax levy increase of 1.79 percent
NORWICH – The Norwich City School District Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to approve a 2012-2013 budget that would see a budget-to-budget increase of 1.86 percent as compared to last year.
A proposed tax levy increase of 1.79 percent was also approved, in addition to a 1 percent increase as part of Guernsey Memorial Library’s 2012-2013 budget.
Members of the board said the process of reviewing and – ultimately – approving the budget was handled much more efficiently this year, thanks to a series of 11 budget presentations offered by the administration at the board’s bi-monthly meetings since the start of the school year.
Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan, at the March 26 meeting, had originally announced a budget increase of 3.03 percent, although he admitted at the time that percentage would likely lessen. Reductions to regular education and benefits resulted in the 1.86 percent increase, from $37,090,193 to approximately $37,780,000.
O’Sullivan added that all activities in the district – including extra-curricular, sports, clubs and other programs – will be maintained under the 2012-2013 budget, as will staffing. Class sizes will remain fairly consistent with last year’s numbers, as well.
And while the superintendent said he’s “very happy” with next year’s budget, the last few years have been “extremely difficult” for the district, from a financial standpoint.
Between 2002 and 2012, budget-to-budget increases have averaged 3.92 percent, while the tax levy increase – over the same time period – has averaged 2.86 percent, according to the district’s 2012-2013 budget development plan. Over the past five years, tax levy increases have averaged .82 percent. If one factors in next year’s budget, that five-year average drops to .64 percent, said O’Sullivan.
State legislators, added the superintendent, must understand that school districts are in need of a consistent formula if they’re to accurately estimate revenues. Compared to other districts, however, O’Sullivan said Norwich has fared well.
Several members of the board noted that, just last week, the Utica City School District approved cuts of approximately $10 million, including more than 200 positions. If Norwich were ever to enact similar cuts – considering the ratio of positions within the district to students – upwards of 50 positions would be lost.
The 2012-2013 Guernsey Memorial Library budget of $1,029,875 is down slightly from last year’s, at $1,055,422, due to reductions in expenditures such as clerks and library aides; repair contracts; audio/video materials; unemployment insurance and debt service.
District voters will weigh-in on the two budgets from noon to 9 p.m. May 15, as well as three seats on the board up for grabs. A budget hearing will be held at 6 p.m. May 7 in the NHS auditorium and the next BOE meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 24 in the District Office Conference Room, 89 Midland Drive.
A proposed tax levy increase of 1.79 percent was also approved, in addition to a 1 percent increase as part of Guernsey Memorial Library’s 2012-2013 budget.
Members of the board said the process of reviewing and – ultimately – approving the budget was handled much more efficiently this year, thanks to a series of 11 budget presentations offered by the administration at the board’s bi-monthly meetings since the start of the school year.
Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan, at the March 26 meeting, had originally announced a budget increase of 3.03 percent, although he admitted at the time that percentage would likely lessen. Reductions to regular education and benefits resulted in the 1.86 percent increase, from $37,090,193 to approximately $37,780,000.
O’Sullivan added that all activities in the district – including extra-curricular, sports, clubs and other programs – will be maintained under the 2012-2013 budget, as will staffing. Class sizes will remain fairly consistent with last year’s numbers, as well.
And while the superintendent said he’s “very happy” with next year’s budget, the last few years have been “extremely difficult” for the district, from a financial standpoint.
Between 2002 and 2012, budget-to-budget increases have averaged 3.92 percent, while the tax levy increase – over the same time period – has averaged 2.86 percent, according to the district’s 2012-2013 budget development plan. Over the past five years, tax levy increases have averaged .82 percent. If one factors in next year’s budget, that five-year average drops to .64 percent, said O’Sullivan.
State legislators, added the superintendent, must understand that school districts are in need of a consistent formula if they’re to accurately estimate revenues. Compared to other districts, however, O’Sullivan said Norwich has fared well.
Several members of the board noted that, just last week, the Utica City School District approved cuts of approximately $10 million, including more than 200 positions. If Norwich were ever to enact similar cuts – considering the ratio of positions within the district to students – upwards of 50 positions would be lost.
The 2012-2013 Guernsey Memorial Library budget of $1,029,875 is down slightly from last year’s, at $1,055,422, due to reductions in expenditures such as clerks and library aides; repair contracts; audio/video materials; unemployment insurance and debt service.
District voters will weigh-in on the two budgets from noon to 9 p.m. May 15, as well as three seats on the board up for grabs. A budget hearing will be held at 6 p.m. May 7 in the NHS auditorium and the next BOE meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 24 in the District Office Conference Room, 89 Midland Drive.
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