Smart voting at ECS

Posted 8/21/12

The current Eldred Central School District (ECS) board candidate running for re-election is attempting to promote his financial responsibility. I say, if anyone has shown financial responsibility …

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Smart voting at ECS

Posted

The current Eldred Central School District (ECS) board candidate running for re-election is attempting to promote his financial responsibility. I say, if anyone has shown financial responsibility over the past five years, it has been the voters. The people voted down Proposition 3 (repair reserve) in May 2010, and a second time at a December vote the same year. My interest was piqued. Even the “student concert” strategy did not overcome the wisdom of the people.

I started looking at the auditor’s reports, and found that for the previous couple of budgets, income had not all been spent, and surpluses were generated and hoarded by the board (in opposition to state law concerning fund balances). So instead of the board going to the voters first to ask for the money, they were saying “we already have your money, now we want to transfer and spend it.” The voters did not buy it.

By the May budget vote in 2011, the $2 million in surplus funds had made its way into the regular budget, but the $18 million budget was voted down by 15 votes. Against the advice of its superintendent and business manager, the board went to an austerity budget, thereby lowering the budget to $16 million just as the 2% tax levy increase was about to take effect.

The next three votes were passed as they did not exceed the tax levy cap. In December 2014, the board tried to pass a $5.6 million capital facilities plan. It was stomped 71% to 29%. A loss of enrollment is causing a loss of state aid and a transference of costs to the taxpayers.

You can buy what Jamie Burns and the board are trying to sell, or you can continue to vote informed with intelligence. Three more quality votes and you will once again be proud to live in the Eldred Central School District. Parents and children will come, state aid will come and your property values will increase. Or not—vote Brian Siegel!

Paul A Clark Jr.

Barryville, NY

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