Residents of the Mayfield Central School District will go to the polls today, Tuesday, May 17, to vote on a proposed $20,636,429 school budget for 2022-23.
Board of Education members unanimously voted to adopt the proposed budget on April 12.
A 3% increase in state aid and funding from the federal American Rescue Plan helped the district to develop a budget aimed at limiting taxpayer burden. The proposed budget keeps the tax levy increase to 1.99%, which is below the district’s allowable limit of 3.07% as calculated under the state’s “tax cap” formula.
“In developing this budget, we were extremely sensitive to the fact that our families are dealing with higher costs on just about everything, from gas to groceries,” Superintendent Christopher Harper said. “Despite many district expenses rising as well, we worked to minimize the impact on our taxpayers while keeping intact, and even growing, academic programming.”
District leaders decided that given current economic circumstances, it would be an appropriate time to use $156,407, of its fund balance.
See all highlights and details of the budget here.
What will I see on the ballot?
PROPOSITION NO. 1
2022-23 Budget Consideration: Residents will vote on the proposed 2022-23 district budget totaling $20,636,429.
PROPOSITION NO. 2
Bus purchase: Residents will be asked to consider the purchase of one 41-passenger bus at a cost of approximately $128,000 and one Chevy Suburban for approximately $50,000 to be paid from the Bus Purchase Reserve fund. The purchases would have no effect on the 2022-23 school tax levy.
The district is eligible for roughly 75% reimbursement for these vehicle purchases through state school transportation aid.
PROPOSITION NO. 3
Pickup with plow purchase: Residents will also be asked to consider the purchase of one pickup truck equipped with a plow at a cost of approximately $45,000 to be paid from the district’s Reserve Fund. The purchase would have no effect on the 2022- 23 school tax levy.
BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION
One five-year term on the Mayfield Central School District Board of Education is up for election this year.
The five-year seat, presently occupied by Cassie Kristel, will become vacant as of June 30, 2022.
The two candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are:
- Cassie Kristel
- Kevin Capobianco
The candidates are invited to share their views and take questions at the public hearing set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in the library at the Jr./Sr. High School.