Penn Yan school budget up slightly

PENN YAN-The Penn Yan Central School District Board of Education met Wednesday, March 22 and presented the 2017-18 final budget draft.
At the meeting, Superintendent Howard Dennis and Cathy Milliman, assistant superintendent for business, highlighted key points from the budget including the following: The budget is 1.52 percent over last year's figure or $524,855 higher. The tax levy increase is 1.79 percent, under the state tax cap of 1.83 percent.
Cost savings were achieved by reducing one full-time staff member and by obtaining community aid to cover the cost of the addition of a behavioral specialist and fees for the family counseling center.
The board also approved the purchase and finance of four student transport vehicles at a cost not to exceed $435,000.
A new 10-year capital reserve fund of five million dollars to be used for the acquisition of machinery and equipment for construction and improvements to the district buildings, grounds and facilities was approved.
A public hearing will be held on the proposed school budget Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. in Penn Yan Elementary, 3 School Dr., Penn Yan.
A vote will be taken on the annual budget on Tuesday, May 16 between noon and 8 p.m. in the Penn Yan Academy gymnasium, 305 Court St., Penn Yan
Citizens who wish to vote at special district meetings must pre-register and be listed on the district's voter register at the time of the balloting. Individuals who have already registered to vote in the general, county-wide elections or at the recent annual school district election will be placed on the voter register automatically.
Pre-registration of voters will be held at the district office of Penn Yan Central School May 2-5 and May 8-10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The board announced three open positions for the coming year. Those interested in running for the school board must file petitions nominating candidates no later than 5 p.m. Monday, April 17.