Williamsville board reviews $242.7 million proposed budget, keeps levy increase under 3%

Williamsville Central School District officials presented a proposed $242,719,867 budget for the 2025–26 school year and said the package would keep the proposed property tax levy increase below 3%. Assistant Superintendent for Finance Mike Kelly told the Board of Education the budget represents a 4.29% overall increase from the current year and would set the proposed levy at $148,413,562, an increase of 2.99% and $431,651 below the district's tax-cap maximum.

The presentation said program enhancements total $524,852 and are focused on special education contractual services and adding self-contained and standard-base classes at middle and high school levels. Kelly said $150,000 was moved from a salary line into contractual special-education services to support itinerant services and that some district employees are expected to provide those services rather than hiring additional staff.

District officials also reviewed revenue assumptions, including $69,916,534 in state aid, and estimated tax-rate changes across the three towns that the district serves (Amherst, Cheektowaga and Clarence). Because Cheektowaga's equalization rate is 80%, officials said its estimated tax-rate change is slightly higher than Amherst and Clarence, which both have equalization rates of 100%. For a home with a market assessed value of $250,000, the presentation estimated an Amherst school tax bill of $3,005 if the proposed budget is approved by voters.

Board members asked about the district fund balance. Kelly said the district reported an approximate fund balance of $9.9 million after the prior fiscal year, and reminded members that New York limits the amount a district may hold in fund balance to 4% of the budget. He said interest income from that fund balance is included in revenue estimates. Kelly and the superintendent noted that the New York State budget process could still change state aid amounts slightly; the district would rely on fund balance to cover any minor later differences, officials said.

The budget presentation also listed continuing programs ($9.8 million) and reiterated that the proposed budget is balanced. District staff asked the board to approve a calendar change pending the board's vote: moving the last student school day to Wednesday, June 25, 2025, subject to final approval.

Why it matters: If voters approve the budget at the district's May 20 election, taxpayers will see the levy rise just under 3% and the district will implement the listed program enhancements, primarily in special education. The presentation framed the adjustments as incremental and fiscally conservative, with contingency plans tied to the fund balance.

Board members expected next steps: the budget will be presented to voters at the May 20 budget vote and board election; a public hearing and special budget meeting were scheduled for May 13.