Lansingburgh re-vote is June 18
Revised budget cuts tax increase to within state’s cap
The Lansingburgh school district has decided to put a proposed budget with a smaller tax increase on the ballot on Tuesday, June 18.
The revised 2019-20 budget calls for spending $50.055 million, or $641,000 less than the previous year.
The budget offered on May 21 failed at the polls because — even though it was favored 390-284, or by 57 percent, of those voting — it needed a 60 percent margin since it exceeded the state’s tax cap.
The rejected version had a 1 percent tax levy increase.
The revision up for a new vote has a 0.46 percent increase, which meets the district’s allowable tax cap, a school district statement said Tuesday.
The revised budget requires just a 50 percent margin to pass, the district said.
Since the revised budget meets the district’s tax cap, eligible district residents will receive their School Tax Relief (STAR) rebate check if the revised budget passes, the district said.
If the proposed budget fails a second time, the district must adopt a contingency budget.
It would not be able to buy general classroom supplies or equipment or school supplies for every individual student, as it did for the 2018-19 school year.
It would prevent the district from making any non-emergency capital expenditures or allowing outside groups to use any school grounds, whether it be classrooms, gym space or fields.
A public hearing presentation for the revised budget will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 in the former cafeteria/auditorium of Turnpike Elementary, 55 New Turnpike Road.
To see a complete copy of the revised budget, visit www.lansingburgh. org. Copies of the revised budget document will also be available upon request at the district office during regular business hours.
The district joined the Johnstown school system in budget failures in the region.