On Tuesday, May 21, Jordan-Elbridge Central School District residents will vote on a proposed $31,825,000 budget for 2019-20. This proposal would increase spending 2.57 percent or $797,728, and would result in a 1.65 percent tax levy increase, below the district’s 4.24 percent limit as defined by New York’s tax levy cap legislation.
Since the 1.65 percent tax levy increase is below the district’s tax levy cap, a simple majority (50 percent of votes plus one) is needed to approve the budget.
Residents will also vote whether to authorize the creation of a capital reserve fund, elect three Board of Education members, and decide on a spending increase for the Jordan Bramley and Elbridge Free libraries.
In building the budget, district leaders committed to a spending plan that maintained and enhanced academic, athletic and co-curricular programs while keeping the tax levy under 2percent.
“We have outstanding programs and facilities at Jordan-Elbridge, and I credit the incredible support from the local community for making that possible,” said Superintendent James Froio. “This budget maintains all of our programs and allows us to explore further opportunities, especially college-level programs for high school students.”
The main growth in the budget can be attributed to increased special education costs, a state-mandated building condition survey, water testing for lead, a digital upgrade for district radios and the addition of a part-time night security guard.
The guard would provide security during practices when there are no events occurring.
“The upgrade to our radios and the addition of a guard are just a few more measures we’ve taken to enhance security,” Froio added.
The proposed budget reflects a 17-percent decrease in teacher retirement system (TRS) costs and a continued savings of more than $77,000 annually due to an energy performance contract. The proposed plan also continues the practice of buying buses up front with cash instead of leasing or borrowing money, which would accrue interest and financing costs.
The district will also receive building aid in 2019-20 for a $610,000 emergency project paid in full during the 2016-17 school year. JE will receive $83,326 in building aid in 2019-20 for the project, followed by $41,663 in projected aid for each of the following 13 years with no corresponding debt. Since the project was paid for in cash during the 2016-17 school year, the district can use the aid to help manage the tax levy over the next 14 years.
Polls will be open on May 21 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Jordan-Elbridge High School. Voters may access the building via the events entrance.
