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Three Village budget heads to May vote; district tax-cap explained as 4.54%
Summary
Board finance lead Mr. Carlson explained how inflation, a 1.19% tax-base growth factor and a capital-projects exclusion pushed the district’s tax-cap calculation to 4.54% for the coming year; the proposed budget, adopted by the board for public vote, complies with that cap.
The Three Village Central School District board on April 29 reviewed the proposed 2026–27 budget and detailed how the district’s tax‑cap calculation reached 4.54 percent.
"So when you add it all together, it comes out to 4.54%,” Mr. Carlson said, walking through the components: a levy‑growth factor (the state‑determined portion based on CPI, capped at 2%), an unusually large district tax‑base growth factor of about 1.19% (reflecting new property), and a capital‑projects exclusion tied to an increase in next year’s capital program from roughly $1.5 million to $3.0 million. Building‑aid changes also affect the levy calculation.
Mr. Carlson said the board adopted the proposed budget and that the proposal complies with the tax cap; passing the budget at the May vote will require a simple majority of voters who cast ballots.
Superintendent Dr. Scanlon highlighted program restorations built into the budget: teaching assistants (TAs) returned for elementary science labs and ISS rooms at middle schools (funded by reallocations and cost‑neutral staffing shifts), and a swap of programs that would bring a STEAM5 program back into the district in a cost‑neutral way. He said the district projects to serve “400 plus” additional students in the program expansion.
The board also authorized participation in tax‑anticipation borrowing up to $65,000,000 to manage cash flow; Mr. Carlson said the district expects to borrow less than that amount and will determine the exact figure closer to year‑end after completing cash‑flow analysis.
Budget outreach remains active: board members reported presentations to PTA and civic groups and additional meetings scheduled before the vote. Dr. Scanlon and administrators said state budget timing remains uncertain and could affect final state aid numbers.
Next steps: the proposed budget will be on the district ballot for voters; administration will finalize any borrowing amounts and return with details as needed.
