School budget revote set for Thursday, June 23

WARWICK-Warwick Valley Central School District voters will have another shot next Thursday at approving the same $69.75 million budget they voted down just one month ago by a mere 15 votes. The school board decided to put the same budget up to the voters instead of a revised one. According to the district, the original budget was tight financially, but maintained the quality of education expected in the district. The proposed budget is an increase of 7.79 percent over last year's budget, the lowest budget increase and tax increase in six years. If the budget is defeated by voters, the district will move to an austerity, or contingency, budget, cutting approximately $1 million as mandated by the state. The tax rate under an austerity budget would amount to $2.70 less per $1,000 of assessed value than if the budget passes. A home assessed at $40,000, one quarter of market value, would pay $108 less in taxes per year than if the budget is passed. Some cost-cutting ideas mentioned by the district in case the budget is defeated include half-day kindergarten, reducing bus stops, eliminating the Arts in Education program, increasing elementary class sizes and reducing high school electives. Community groups and organizations would be required to pay for use of school facilities if the budget does not pass. This includes sports and scouting programs. The vote will take place on Thursday, June 23, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dorothy C. Wilson Education Center at the Warwick Middle School, Pine Island Elementary School, and Kings Elementary School. The district must have its budget in place by July 1.