Watertown school leaders unveil $103 million 2025–26 budget, ask voters to OK 2.44% levy increase

Watertown City School District administrators presented a $103 million 2025–26 spending plan and asked voters to approve a 2.44% tax levy increase at the district’s public meeting. The budget would grow the district’s operating plan from about $96 million to roughly $103 million and uses a mix of state aid, increased interest revenue and $3 million of fund balance to help balance the books.

District officials said the tax‑cap calculation set by New York State allows a 2.44% levy increase, which the administration described as legal maximum under the cap. “We are asking the voters to approve a 2.44% increase in taxes,” the district’s operations and finance representative said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The budget includes roughly $7 million in added revenue and spending compared with the current year and directs most new dollars to instruction and student supports rather than administration or capital. Administrators told the board the increases are driven largely by rising employee costs, BOCES services and utilities; they also plan several program expansions aimed at improving graduation rates, attendance and student engagement.

Key details: The package would increase instructional spending from about $75 million to $81.7 million. The administration expects about $2.7 million more in state aid (foundation and BOCES aid) but cautioned the exact foundation aid runs remain “unknown” while the state budget process is ongoing. The district plans to add staff and programs including additional teaching assistants, new special‑education staff and two new district‑run preschool special‑education classrooms, plus facility and vehicle replacements funded in part from reserves.

Fund balance, reserves and propositions: As of June 30, 2024, the district reported roughly $18.9 million in restricted reserves and just under $24 million in unassigned fund balance (about 25% of the budget). Administrators proposed using about $3 million of fund balance next year while also placing several propositions before voters: creation/extension of capital reserves (a proposed $15 million ceiling for future capital projects), a $1 million furniture reserve and an IT/security reserve that would fund items such as weapons‑detection units and a handheld radio upgrade. The district emphasized prior capital work (a $110 million project) had no tax impact and said the reserve approach aims to preserve that benefit.

Projected household impact and next steps: Officials estimated a homeowner with a $100,000 property in the city would see an approximate $27 annual increase if voters approve the levy. The budget presentation was informational; the budget is scheduled for a public vote on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Board and community reaction: Board members and community speakers generally praised instructional investments and expanded services. Some board members pressed for clearer timing on state aid runs and for more transparency on encumbrances and year‑end accounting; at least one board member said she felt surprised by late budget details and asked for additional internal communication before the vote.

What wasn’t decided: The board did not adopt the budget at the meeting; the document was presented for public information and discussion ahead of the voter referendum. Formal adoption is contingent on the May 20 public vote and on final state aid figures.

Ending: If approved by voters, the budget would increase instructional spending and add staff and services the district says are targeted at improving graduation rates and student engagement; the precise aid amounts and some implementation details will depend on final state aid runs and voter approval of the levy and propositions.