Amherst Central School District proposes $78.8 million budget; warns contingency would bar community facility use

The Amherst Central School District presented a proposed budget of about $78.8 million for the 2024 fiscal year, and district officials said a roughly $1.4 million (about 5.3%) increase in state aid narrowed the district’s shortfall.

Presenter said the district projects revenues near $78.8 million and described a total spending increase of about $3.2 million (4.3%). "We did receive a significant increase in state aid which allowed us to close our gap and present the budget for you," the Presenter said. The Presenter also noted the ballot displays a figure of $78,785,000 for voter approval.

The Presenter outlined the main drivers of the budget: instruction remains the largest share (more than 77% in the tripartite/component displays) and is budgeted to rise about 13% (roughly $766,000) to cover programs, charter tuition, special-education tuition, health services, athletics, technology and building security. The Presenter said benefits are increasing — citing an ERS rate around 15.2 and TRS moving from about 9.76 to 10.02 — and that health insurance costs are up about 7% to an overall budgeted level near $9 million.

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