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Hamburg board adopts $93.28 million 2026–27 budget, schedules May 19 vote
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Summary
The Hamburg Central School District board adopted a proposed $93.28 million 2026–27 budget and set it as Proposition 1 for the May 19, 2026, vote; board members also approved reserve transfers, a new tax certiorari reserve and several routine items. The meeting included extended discussion about transportation costs and preserving UPK access.
The Hamburg Central School District board on April 14 adopted a proposed $93,281,431 budget for the 2026–27 school year and voted to present it to district voters as Proposition 1 on May 19, 2026.
Superintendent Mr. Adams said the proposed spending plan is “the financial expression of the priorities of your district” and described it as a responsible budget that preserves programs and student access while relying on reserves strategically. Christine Youngberg, who led the revenue and reserve presentation, said Erie County sales tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the district added roughly $150,000 to next year’s revenue estimate after a higher March check.
Why it matters: the board is asking voters to approve the operating budget and a related capital reserve proposition; the board explained it will use targeted restricted reserves and planned transfers to balance the budget this year and expects to replenish those reserves after the fiscal-year audit.
What the board approved and will put to voters: the adopted resolution sends a $93,281,431 budget to the ballot as Proposition 1 on May 19, 2026, and instructs administration to publish the property-tax report card and the legal notices required for the annual election and budget vote. The board also approved creating a new capital-improvement reserve (Proposition 2 on the ballot) to save surplus funds for future projects.
Reserve use and tax certiorari fund: presenters recommended using a combination of restricted reserves to balance the budget, including targeted amounts from the employee-benefit accrued liability, ERS and TRS reserves and a planned $600,000 use from the debt-service reserve (with the expectation that market premiums and future bond actions will help replenish that account). The board also approved creating a tax certiorari reserve fund and transferring $100,000 from the unemployment reserve into it after counsel advised the district to prepare for a potential multi-year assessment challenge on a commercial property.
Voting and procedural notes: a roll call was requested for the budget adoption; one member registered opposition during the roll-call, and the motion passed. The board then moved through a slate of routine business, including approval of consent items, change orders for the capital project and personnel items.
Next steps: the district will hold a budget hearing on Tuesday, May 12, ahead of the May 19 vote; administration will also run a series of community outreach events, including a presence at the Hamburg Farmers Market on May 16 and PTSA presentations across the district.
The board adjourned at approximately 7:42 p.m. with no public-expression speakers signed up.
