Middletown trustees present 2025–26 budget with 1.99% tax levy; three propositions set for May 20 vote

The Enlarged City School District of Middletown on May 8 presented a proposed 2025–26 spending plan that the district says increases total spending by $13.7 million, or about 5.23% over the prior year, while keeping the local tax levy increase to 1.99.

Superintendent Rachel Creedon and Assistant Superintendent for Business Mike Tuttle led the budget presentation during a legally required public hearing. The administration said the proposed budget accommodates contractual obligations and inflation while avoiding cuts to programs or staff.

The board has placed three propositions on the May 20 ballot: the district budget (Proposition 1); a 20-year, $20 million capital reserve (Proposition 2); and a $45 million district-wide health, safety and well-being renovations and alterations plan (Proposition 3). All three were adopted by the board to go before voters.

Why it matters: Keeping the levy at 1.99% keeps the district under New York’s commonly cited 2% local levy cap benchmark and lowers the voter approval threshold for a successful local budget vote to a simple majority (50% plus one). Administrators noted that if a budget fails and the district must adopt a contingent budget, spending would be limited to the prior year’s contingency levels and new equipment purchases (except for health and safety) would be restricted.

Key details presented: - Proposed overall increase: $13,700,000 (about 5.23% over last year). - Adopted local tax levy increase: 1.99% (presenters said this represents roughly $1.4 million in additional levy revenue). - Propositions on the ballot: budget; $20 million 20-year capital reserve; $45 million health, safety and well-being renovations. These measures were described by district staff as having been reviewed in prior budget presentations.

Board President Ed Estrada highlighted the administration’s work to limit the levy while preserving programs, saying, “No cut to programs, no cut to staff.” Mr. Tuttle walked the board and the public through how contingent budget rules and voter thresholds operate and explained options if the vote fails.

During the board discussion several trustees praised the administration and Mr. Tuttle for reducing the original proposal (the presenters said they reduced the budget by roughly $700,000 to reach the 1.99 levy), and reiterated that the district did not tap reserves or the unappropriated fund balance in this proposal.

Public comment: The district opened the hearing for public questions; no members of the public spoke during the hearing portion. The board then formally adjourned the public hearing and continued to its regular meeting.

What’s next: The district’s budget vote and election for three open board seats are scheduled for Tuesday, May 20. The district website and the board clerk’s office list voting locations and guidance for voters.

For more information, the district listed budgetecsdm@ecsdm.org as a contact for questions about the budget.