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Syosset Board Gets 2026–27 Budget Preview as Health‑insurance, Inflation Pressure Finances
Summary
Assistant Superintendent for business services presented a 2026–27 budget preview that flagged a likely ~10% ($~5 million) rise in health‑insurance costs, a preliminary tax‑cap estimate near 2.37%, and a roughly $3.6 million uptick in state aid; board members pressed for follow‑up detail at upcoming budget hearings.
Assistant Superintendent for business services Dr. Rufel delivered the district's first look at the 2026–27 budget, warning that rising health‑insurance costs, inflation and contract escalators will strain the district's financial plan.
"This year for 2026, health insurance premiums for us... could be as high as $5,000,000," Dr. Rufel said, adding that the district's current working estimate for health‑insurance increases is about 10 percent. He told the board the district must balance preserving programs and services while managing those cost pressures.
Rufel outlined several drivers of the pressure: cumulative inflation in recent years that has outpaced tax‑cap limits, utility and energy cost increases, and anticipated debt service tied to bond borrowings. He presented a preliminary calculated tax‑cap figure of about 2.37 percent and noted the district must submit a tax‑cap calculation by March 1; the cap becomes final after the board adopts the budget in April.
The assistant superintendent also reported a favorable change on state aid: "our state aid went up about 10% — approximately $3,600,000," he said, but cautioned that state aid still accounts for only about 13 percent of district revenue.
Rufel described planned capital spending separate from bond work: district budget items for custodial operations, maintenance, security, HVAC upgrades (including fan‑wall projects), and playground replacements. On technology, he said the district expects multi‑year investments in network switches and a Teams‑based phone system, with some E‑rate and BOCES aid offsetting costs.
Board members pressed for specifics. "What kind of percent increase is that from last year?" asked board member Mr. Ginsburg; Rufel replied the health‑insurance estimate is roughly 10 percent. Mr. Greco and Dr. Park asked about BOCES aid timing and project phasing; Rufel said BOCES aid is calculated on prior‑year budgets and that phased multi‑year technology projects typically carry a heavier first year of cost.
Why it matters: the board begins formal budget work this month and will adopt the budget in April. The district schedules additional budget presentations on March 9, April 20 and May 11 and a public budget vote on May 19.
Next steps: Rufel said the district will return with tighter numbers on benefits and programmatic costs at the next budget meeting and will refine debt‑service estimates as construction‑manager approvals arrive.
