Williamsville budget presentation shows $2.2 million working deficit; state aid projected to rise

Williamsville Central School District officials presented a working draft of the 2025–26 budget during the Feb. 11 meeting and reported a preliminary $244,517,917 spending plan, a proposed tax levy of $148,845,213 and a working deficit of about $2.2 million.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance Mr. Kelly told the board that state aid estimates in the draft are up “nearly $7,400,000” compared with the current year, with transportation, foundation and building aid showing the largest increases. At the same time, the district’s BOCES cost projection increased during recent meetings with Erie 1 BOCES, adding an estimated $545,610 in costs to next year’s budget draft.

“We’re showing a $2,200,000 deficit that we have more work to do,” Kelly said, describing the figures as a work in progress. The district’s draft also anticipates using $2.5 million of fund balance next fiscal year (down from $3 million budgeted this year) and assumes total cost increases of about $1.13 million since a January presentation.

Kelly warned that some numbers were not final — BOCES charges are still being finalized and retirements and associated salary-step changes could change the net figure. He said retirements typically create some savings, but noted the district’s difficulty in predicting hiring step placement given current teacher labor-market conditions.

The presenter said the district plans to continue refining revenue and expense estimates; the board set the March meeting for further budget work. Public budget comment was held at the meeting; board members and the superintendent described the draft as preliminary and pledged further review before adoption.