NEW BERLIN – Unadilla Valley Central School held its annual budget review Monday night. The proposed 2012-13 budget is just over $20.1 million and calls for a 4 percent tax levy increase.
The tax levy increase would be the first in three years.
“If we could have foreseen future costs just a few years ago, I would have suggested a more gradual increase ... this sets a dangerous precedent,” said Superintendent Robert Mackey. “Unfortunely, hindsight is 20/20 and we’re still happy with the overall budget.”
Mackey said the school board worked tirelessly to balance the budget in an economy that’s seen decreased funding and increased expenses. Unfunded state mandates have also caused the school to re-think teaching programs and extra-curricular activities.
State aid has been reduced to UV by approximately $965,000 for the 2012-13 school year, forcing officials to cut athletic programs and clubs as well as re-negotiate teacher’s hours leading to longer workdays.
During the 2011-12 budgeting process, the board eliminated 44 paid staffing positions, which Mackey said added more than $2 million back into the budget despite the regrettable situation.
“We’ve had to look at costs with more and more scrutiny to keep up with state mandates and rising costs,” said Mackey. “Luckily, this is by far the best board that I’ve had the privilege of working with and they’ve done a great job keeping us on track.”
The board also announced a $100,000 capital project to begin in 2012-13 that will include improved safety measures around the school such as cameras and walkie-talkies as well as minor maintenance and improvement projects.
Additionally, the budget includes just over $250,000 for four new school buses for the district.
The vote for the budget will take place beginning at noon in the UV auditorium on Tuesday, May 15.