Somers board hears $113.3M budget proposal, schedules $63.92M bond referendum for May

The Somers Central School District Board of Education reviewed a proposed $113,265,000 budget for the 2025–26 school year — a $2.4 million increase, or about 2.21% from the current year — and advanced a $63,919,864 bond proposition to the May 20 ballot after the board adopted a state environmental quality review (SEQRA) negative declaration.

The proposed tax levy is shown in the presentation at $91,240,000, an increase of roughly 2.39% and described by central office staff as the district’s maximum allowable levy limit for the year without seeking a supermajority override. The presenter noted the estimated tax-rate change tied to that levy at about 2.29%, but reminded the public that the final rate depends on town assessments and tax certiorari settlements in August.

Why it matters: the budget presentation tied the spending plan to enrollment projections, state-aid runs and unresolved tax-certiorari claims. District staff said Foundation Aid is projected to rise a minimum of 2% under the governor’s executive proposal, and the district is currently assuming that amount pending final state action. The presentation also said the district plans to use roughly $1.7 million of fund balance and appropriated reserves to help balance the budget.

Board members discussed a projected enrollment drop of about 70 students for 2025–26, with the largest decline concentrated at the high school (approximately 60–70 students), and asked for continued demographic analysis to guide staffing and program planning. District staff said enrollment declines over the past decade have helped limit personnel replacement needs and have been factored into long-term planning.

The presenter also addressed unresolved tax-certiorari settlements. The Pepsi case was described as resolved; the IBM matter remains open and could increase potential refunds the district might owe if the assessment is reduced. District staff explained settlements can sometimes be paid over multiple fiscal years and said they are maintaining a tax-certiorari reserve to help cover any future payouts.

Contingency planning: staff outlined that if voters reject the budget and the board adopts a contingent budget, the district would have a 0% tax-levy increase and would be required to cut about $2.1 million from the budget. The presenter said those cuts would likely affect personnel and programs.

Bond referendum and SEQRA: the board declared itself lead agency under SEQRA and adopted a negative declaration for the proposed capital project, clearing a procedural step required to place the proposition on the ballot. The proposition describes construction and reconstruction work across district facilities at a maximum estimated cost of $63,919,864, with $1,825,000 to be applied from a 2022 capital reserve; the remaining $62,094,864 would be raised by taxation over time if approved by voters.

Board timeline: staff said the board aims to adopt the final budget April 22, with a public hearing in early May and the budget vote and bond referendum scheduled for May 20. Staff emphasized that the state budget, if finalized before that schedule, could change state-aid figures used in the projection.

The presentation included a sample tax bill for a home with a $70,000 assessed value (the district’s stated average assessed value), showing an illustrative annual increase of about $300 under the estimated tax rate change; staff reiterated that equalization rates and final assessments determine actual bills.

The board did not take a final vote on the budget at the March 25 meeting; the board approved the SEQRA negative declaration and authorized the bond proposition for the May ballot by roll call vote.