Honeoye Central School District proposes 2.03% tax levy as state budget delay leaves final rates uncertain

Honeoye Central School District business administrator Derek Viz outlined the district's proposed 2026-27 budget in a recorded message, saying the district plans a 2.03% tax levy increase and will rely on increased estimated state aid and reserves to cover remaining costs.

Viz said the budget-setting process has been complicated by a delay at the state level: "This year was exceptionally challenging because for the ninth consecutive year, New York State did not meet the state constitutional deadline of April 1 to pass the budget," he said, adding that at the time of the recording the state still had not finalized a budget for the coming year.

The district is proposing a 2.03% levy increase, which Viz said is "within the allowable limit." He provided a conservative tax-rate estimate of about $1,253 per $1,000 of assessed value and said that figure is lower than the current averages in surrounding counties. He cautioned that the final tax rules will not be set until June 30 and that the ultimate rate could change.

To limit the immediate impact on local taxpayers, Viz said the district plans to offset additional costs with higher estimated state aid and by drawing on reserves. "The district's use of reserves allow us time to develop a multi-year financial and a structural plan to guide the district in the future as we navigate more difficult years," he said.

Viz also noted the district expects neighboring school districts'tax rates to rise once the state finalizes its rules. For more information on the budget, he directed the public to the district website.

The district has scheduled its board of education election and the budget vote on May 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the auditorium entrance. No formal vote outcome was reported in the recording.