Port Jervis holds public budget hearing for $103.95 million proposed budget
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Summary
District leaders presented a $103.95 million 2025–26 spending plan at a public hearing, saying higher debt service tied to recent borrowing is largely offset by state building aid and will not raise local taxes; community will vote May 20.
Port Jervis City School District held a public budget hearing May 6 to present its proposed 2025–26 spending plan of $103,950,000 and to answer questions ahead of the May 20 district vote.
District presenters said the higher overall budget number largely reflects capital borrowing for multi‑phase construction projects and related debt service rather than a direct increase in the local tax levy. "We have approximately $8,600,000 in principal and interest payments," a district presenter said, adding that the district receives state building aid that offsets much of those costs.
The presenters said the district expects the tax levy to remain effectively unchanged this year despite the larger budget figure. The presentation listed a total tax levy figure of $29,000,000 and described capital or stadium‑related accounts totaling roughly $69,000,000 as part of the district's multi‑phase facilities work.
Administrators told the board the district is in its fifth borrowing phase for capital work, and that recent borrowing increases debt service in the short term but generates high levels of state reimbursement for building projects. "We're out there borrowing. This is a good thing. It's the time for us to because we're getting 90% back in building aid," a presenter said.
Staff also highlighted recurring cost pressures: transportation and special education expenses have increased, and retirement and health insurance costs are large budget drivers. In the presentation, the district said the family health insurance plan cost is approximately $35,000 (per family plan), a figure presented as part of rising personnel‑related costs.
One safety and facilities item noted in the presentation was a new speaker and visual alert system intended to improve lockdown and emergency communications in cafeterias, gymnasiums and auditoriums. The presenters also described smaller capital purchases planned under the budget, including two new minivans and replacement athletic equipment and scoreboards.
Board members and administrators emphasized the importance of voter participation. "Please get out and vote on May 20," Dr. John Bell said during his reports, noting that absentee ballots had been mailed and that the budget newsletter and supporting information were posted on the district website.
The public hearing closed with no substantive public questions recorded during the meeting. The budget, school board elections and two referenda (capital project phase and a property purchase) will appear on the May 20 ballot for district voters to decide.
