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Penfield tentative 2026–27 budget rises to $135.8 million amid BOCES and Medicare cost pressures
Summary
The district’s tentative 2026–27 budget is $135.8 million, a $800,000 (5.64%) increase driven mainly by expanded BOCES special‑education requests and a projected Medicare premium jump; officials outlined tax‑cap options and the calendar toward a May budget vote.
The Penfield Central School District on Monday outlined a tentative $135.8 million spending plan for 2026–27, an $800,000 increase from the prior draft that represents a 5.64% rise, the district’s business official said.
Dr. Driffle, who presented the board with updated expenditure and revenue projections, said two primary factors account for the increase: expanded requests for special‑education services from Monroe 1 BOCES and a steep projected rise in Medicare premiums for eligible retirees. “From last time the budget is up $800,000… it represents $135.8 million as opposed to last time when we were at $135.1 million,” he said.
Why it matters: the figures shape the district’s levy choices and how much fund balance the board may assign. Driffle said BOCES service requests — including increased placements and transition supports — added several hundred thousand dollars, while anticipated Medicare premium increases were estimated at about $500,000.
The presentation also noted a downward revision to state foundation aid of roughly $200,000 tied to enrollment changes. Energy and utility costs were flagged as another growing line item; electric and related energy expenditures are projected to exceed $1.4 million next year.
Levy options and next steps: the district’s tax‑cap calculation for next year is 4.33%. Driffle showed an illustrative scenario: if the board levied up to the cap, the levy would generate roughly $76.2 million (about $3 million more than current levy projections) and leave a projected shortfall of just over $2 million under current assumptions. He outlined alternatives that would use additional assigned fund balance (still within typical audit tolerance) or reduce levy increases.
Calendar: board members were told an updated budget draft will be reviewed March 24, the superintendent’s proposed budget will be adopted April 21, the property tax report card will be filed by April 28, the required budget hearing is May 5 and the budget vote and board election are set for May 19.
What’s next: district staff will continue to refine expenditure assumptions, shop insurance through an RFP for retiree Medicare coverage, and return with a revised draft to the board. The board did not take a final vote on the budget at Monday’s meeting.
