Eldred voters approve budget

GLEN SPEY, NY — Given a second look at the options, Eldred voters approved the school district’s $12,460,853 budget for the 2005-06 school year by a 506-to-410 margin on June 21.

According to District Superintendent Dr. Ivan Katz, barring any changes in the tentative tax assessment rolls, the budget will prompt a 4.52 percent increase in the district tax rate. Had the budget failed, Eldred would be facing the loss of some 15 faculty and staff positions and the elimination of all extra-curricular activities and new equipment purchases.

The budget was initially defeated in May by a 40-vote margin, with just under 700 persons voting. School officials rescheduled the vote saying they believed the turnout had not adequately reflected the voting population.

Board member Bob Burrow was pleased with victory and the larger turnout, but was still surprised that more had not voted. “I guess people just assume it will pass on the second vote,” he said.