WESTHILL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
May 2010
Dear District Residents,
In March, we sent a letter to you stating how the district is addressing the significant reduction in State aid proposed in the Governor’s budget. Given the difficult economic climate, we are pleased that the proposed budget reflects a small increase in our tax levy (the amount of money raised by the taxpayers of the district) of 1.98%. This is the same rate of increase as last year. The actual tax rate by town is set by the Board of Education in August once final equalization rates are set by the State and final assessments are determined by each town (see page 3 for estimated tax rates).
Control Costs and Use of Fund Balance/Reserves
We have been able to offset the significant loss of State aid through a combination of budget reductions and the use of our reserves. The use of our reserves enables the district to spread any staff reductions over the next two to three years. It also enables the district to keep a relatively low increase in the tax levy. For the 2010-2011 school year, we will be eliminating an elementary teaching position due to a retirement.
Potential Loss of Revenue from the County Sales Tax Distribution
In addition to the bleak State budget, we will be faced with a significant loss in revenues if the County legislators vote to eliminate or significantly reduce the amount of sales tax distributed to school districts. If sales tax revenue is eliminated, Westhill will lose approximately $424,000. Over a ten-year period (the life of the current County sales tax distribution agreement), the loss in revenues would be approximately $4,240,000. The current sales tax agreement expires in December 2010. The full impact of the loss of sales tax revenue would not occur until the 2011-2012 school year.
Phase II Capital Project
Recently, district residents approved a Phase II capital project plan that addresses basic building and grounds improvements, space, program and land/site needs. The funding for this capital project does not affect the 2010-2011 school budget.
Please read the following pages prior to voting on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. In addition to the proposition on the annual school budget, a separate proposition on the purchase of school vehicles and the election of one Board of Education seat will be on the ballot. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Your Board of Education,
Doreen T. Bronchetti, President
John T. Parkinson, Vice President
Gary P. Lowery, Trustee
Lisa M. O’Reilly, Trustee
Roseanne Scrimale, Trustee
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Budget Information
