State delays school budget votes

LIBERTY, NY — The New York State Legislature has decided to give local school districts additional time to amass more accurate numbers for proposed 2003-2004 school year budgets.

As a result of a late state budget and proposed severe budget cuts to education, districts were forced to estimate their aid figures for the coming year. Many districts were also awaiting current total assessment figures and equalization rates, which are determined by the NYS Office of Real Property Services. These rates are used to ensure that taxes are applied fairly between towns that assess property in different ways.

“Without all of this information, it is impossible for local school districts to determine a definite tax rate, said Martin Handler, BOCES district superintendent in a statement to the media. “By law, school districts are required to inform the public of their proposed budget and proposed tax rate; however, they have not been given the necessary tools to accurately fulfill this obligation.”

Balloting has been postponed from May 20 to June 3. The delay, according to BOCES, will give the legislature more time to approve the school portion of the 2003-2004 state budget. Once the state budget is approved, the districts will know how much money the district will receive from state aid and/or better able to project accurate school budgets.

For more information on your school budget contact: