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Budget feedback, tax‑cap details and two bus propositions: Webster board gets state aid, PILOT and bus updates
Summary
Board received ThoughtExchange budget input (~600 responses), tax‑cap formula details including 10 COMIDA PILOT agreements, state‑aid projections and voted to place two propositions on the ballot for 10 diesel buses and one zero‑emission bus.
The Webster Central School District Board examined community budget input, an explanation of the tax‑cap formula and state‑aid projections, then approved resolutions to place two bus‑purchase propositions on the May ballot.
ThoughtExchange summary and community priorities District staff reported about 600 participants in the January ThoughtExchange budget engagement. The short‑answer feedback clustered around balancing academic priorities and mental health supports, preserving extracurriculars, and concerns about facility modernization (air conditioning) and the zero‑emission (EV) bus mandate. The district’s summary said responses emphasized a need for fiscal support from the state for any required EV bus transition.
Tax cap, PILOTs and state aid Business office staff walked the board through New York’s multi‑step tax‑cap formula, stressing how the local tax‑base growth factor, the 2% or CPI portion, capital exclusions and payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) interact. The district reported 10 active COMIDA PILOT agreements that affect the calculation; staff said those PILOT payments total roughly $1.25 million in the district’s budget year projections and showed how year‑to‑year fluctuations in PILOT receipts change the computed levy limit.
The presenter summarized the governor’s executive budget proposals: a statewide increase in school aid of roughly $1.55 billion (about 4.5%), a $900,000 (district‑level) increase tied to the state’s minimum‑increase provisions, and changes to poverty measures that affect foundation aid calculations. Staff noted Webster’s aid ratios were slightly reduced because local income and assessment indicators increased; they also said the district is owed $843,372 in prior‑year state aid adjustments that had not been funded in the governor’s proposal.
Bus propositions and vote After discussing fleet planning and the state EV mandate, the board approved a resolution to place two propositions on the May ballot: one to authorize purchase and financing of 10 replacement diesel large buses and a second, separate proposition to authorize purchase and financing of a single zero‑emission bus for pilot use. Staff said the diesel purchase reflects a decision to preserve fleet flexibility while the district tests the EV bus and related maintenance and training needs. EV buses require different technician training and have different maintenance and procurement timelines.
The board conducted a roll‑call vote on the bus propositions; the five board members present voted in favor. The district will use the ballot process to gather community feedback and, if approved by voters, to begin equipment purchases and staff training for EV maintenance.
Other formal votes at the meeting The board approved the instruction report, the November and December 2024 treasurer’s report, and advanced the first reading of the 2025–26 school calendar. The consent agenda was also approved.
