Fayetteville-Manlius board adopts 2025–26 budget; levy set near tax cap

The Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District Board of Education on April 21 adopted the proposed 2025–26 budget following a presentation from district finance staff and a short discussion among trustees.

The budget totals and rates matter to taxpayers: Assistant presenter Brad Corbin said the proposed tax levy would be about $72,500,000 with a projected levy increase at or near the state cap (3.56%), and estimated the levy increase would raise roughly $2,600,000. Corbin said the commonly used example showed the change would translate to about a $54 increase on a $100,000 home under the district’s projection assumptions.

Corbin framed the budget as a three-part plan (program, capital and administrative). Program spending is the largest slice, representing roughly three-quarters of the district’s spending (Corbin cited about $85.8 million). Administrative spending was reported around $7.08 million and capital roughly 17 percent of the total. He highlighted year-to-year drivers: a $2.4 million increase in salaries, $1.4 million in health and benefit costs, a $1.9 million increase in debt service tied to recent construction, and a $500,000 reduction in the capital transfer. Corbin said there would be no cuts to programs or staffing, including mental-health positions.

On revenue, Corbin said property taxes would remain the largest revenue source (about 65%), state aid roughly 30% and other revenue around 5%. He reported state aid for the district was projected to rise modestly and that the district planned to use about $1.3 million of assigned fund balance to balance revenues and expenditures for 2025–26. Corbin said the district’s five‑year view showed the combined expenditure drivers and revenue changes roughly offsetting each other.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the state aid estimate, and Corbin acknowledged the final state budget had not been enacted and state aid numbers remained tentative. Corbin said if state aid changed after the governor’s budget was finalized, the district would first look to adjust appropriated fund balance rather than program or staffing. Trustees also confirmed next steps: the budget hearing is scheduled for May 12 and the public vote in May (date not specified in the presentation).

The board adopted the budget later in the meeting. The board also approved the district’s 2025–26 property tax report card and other routine fiscal items linked to the budget process.

The board’s adoption means the budget will go to voters in the district at the planned May vote, pending any changes to state aid numbers before the public vote.