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Katonah-Lewisboro board reviews proposed $127.4M budget, eyes EPC ballot question and EV buses
Summary
The board reviewed a proposed 2025—6 budget of $127,410,469 (2.49% increase), explained declines in state aid and debt-service pressures, and discussed an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) proposition aimed at securing additional state aid plus proposals to support electric bus purchases funded in part by NYSERDA.
The Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District board reviewed the proposed 2025—6 budget on March 13, hearing administration's presentation that the budget-to-budget increase is $3,091,707 (2.49%), with a proposed property tax levy increase of 3.29% that the district says complies with the New York State tax-cap calculation.
Assistant Superintendent for Business (Lisa, S7) and district staff outlined major revenue and expense drivers: an anticipated drop in building and transportation aid (the presentation cited a decline that together represented about $1.5 million in reduced revenues compared with prior projections), contractual salary and benefits increases (about $1.3 million), and higher debt service related to prior capital borrowing. The administration said the district's current-year budget is $124,318,762 and the proposed budget is $127,410,469.
Energy Performance Contract and propositions: Presenters described an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) for solar and efficiency projects with a $12 million maximum authorization (administration said it does not expect the project to reach the maximum) and emphasized that EPCs do not directly raise taxes. The board plans to place a proposition on the ballot to seek an additional 10% state-aid allowance associated with the EPC; that proposition would not itself authorize the contract but would enable additional state aid if voters approve.
Bus electrification and other items: Sustainability committee members said the district secured NYSERDA support sufficient to purchase five electric buses (the presentation cited roughly $811,000 of NYSERDA funding) and that infrastructure dollars are being reallocated to support charging for smaller buses. The board also reviewed borrowing history (a two-tranche plan totaling roughly $49.5 million in projects approved in 2022 and 2024) and noted water-remediation and elevator replacement work in facilities planning.
Board discussion and next steps: Members asked for clear public messaging about the EPC proposition's "no tax impact" claim and urged communication clarity about what a yes vote would mean. The board planned further budget check-ins and scheduled future meetings to finalize propositions and, if appropriate, adopt a board budget.
