Roscoe Central School District Board of Education on Wednesday, May 31, approved a $10.29 million budget proposal that will go before voters June 20. The proposal keeps the district at the calculated tax levy limit, or tax cap, of 3.23%.
This will be the second time district residents will vote on a proposed 2023-24 budget. The first budget did not receive the 60% approval of those who voted, as is required by state law for proposed budgets that exceed the tax levy cap. This proposed budget has cut $458,088 from the proposal voters rejected in May.
A public budget hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in the school cafeteria.
“Although a majority of voters approved the first proposed budget, there was not enough support for it to pass at the state-required supermajority,” Superintendent John Evans said. “We have heard the voice of the voters and are presenting a revised budget proposal that carries a lower tax levy increase, which, unfortunately, will limit the programs we can offer.”
The proposed $10,288,047 budget increases spending by 0.35% and carries a 3.23% tax levy increase.
If the proposal does not pass on June 20, the state requires that the district adopt a contingent budget, which requires no tax levy increase, and would require a further $178,026 reduction. If a contingent budget is required, Roscoe will likely become a K-8 school with 9-12 grade students tuitioned out to a neighboring district, athletics will not be offered, staff reductions will be required and an administrator position will be cut, among other cost-reducing measures.
While the district will be fully funded under the state’s foundation aid formula and is expected to receive the minimum 3% increase, when coupled with other state aid categories, RCS will receive an overall state aid decrease in 2023-24.
Polls will be open noon to 8 p.m Tuesday, June 20, in the Roscoe Central School gymnasium.
Voter qualifications
Those who wish to vote must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the district for at least 30 days and be registered to vote at their county board of elections or with the district.
Registration may be done 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at the Roscoe main office by June 15 .
Absentee ballots
Qualified voters may request an absentee ballot by contacting District Clerk Marlyn Peters at mpeters@roscoe.k12.ny.us or 607-498-4126, ext. 6105.
June 13 is the last day for absentee ballot applications to be received if the completed ballot will be mailed. June 19 is the last day for absentee ballots applications to be received if the completed ballot will be delivered in person.
Absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk by 5 p.m. June 20 in order to be counted.
For more information, visit the RCS budget information page.