Watkins Glen adopts 2016-'17 proposed school budget

WATKINS GLEN--The Watkins Glen Central School District adopted the proposed budget for the 2016-17 school year at their Monday, April 4 meeting. The proposed budget would increase the tax levy by $243,808 (2.71 percent), which is under the state's tax cap for the year. District residents have a chance to vote on the measure in the May 17 election.
The total budget amounts to $26,560,014, which is a 3.92 percent increase over the current year's budget. This totals a $1,002,717 increase. In a handout to the board members, Business Manager Gayle Sedlack said 18 percent of the total budget is debt payments. She noted total salaries have increased by 2.4 percent to total $10,084,456. Total benefits have increased by 7.61 percent for a total budget of $5,782,167.
Sedlack said the resulting property tax rate is estimated to be $12.61 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is a 3.1 cent decrease from the current year. The 2.71 percent tax levy increase is under the maximum allowable limit by $38,367, assuming the district is fully restored for the gap elimination adjustment for the amount of $500,000.
Sedlack mentioned all current district programs and staff will be intact in the proposed budget, aside from not filling a director of student services position and a technology position. District voters will be polled on the proposed budget May 17, which will also feature the election of school board members. Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m.
In other business:
• The board recognized several winter athletes during the meeting. The students included swimmer Matt Doppel, wrestlers Ian Chedzoy and Brandon Gould and indoor track athlete Patrick Hazlitt. Several members of the girls basketball team were also honored, including Hanley Elliott, Emmie Bond, Clara Chedzoy, Amanda Pike, Hannah Morse, Taylor Kelly and Coach Alicia Learn.