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Eden Central School District adopts $39.9M budget, to use reserves and tax cap increase
Summary
The board approved a $39,921,020 budget for 2026–27 with a 2.52% tax-levy increase and increased use of reserves to close the gap; presenters warned the board is adopting without final state aid numbers and explained contingent-budget consequences if voters reject the plan.
The Eden Central School District board voted to adopt a $39,921,020 budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, approving a tax levy up to the 2.52% cap and planned use of reserves to close remaining funding gaps.
"So we are, adopting a budget without really having full state aid numbers," Mrs. May told the board, noting the state budget remained unsigned and that the district had to meet the board-adoption timeline. She detailed revenue assumptions including an estimated $800,000 drop in state aid (largely building aid) and revenue offsets such as Erie County sales-tax distributions and other local receipts.
Board discussion emphasized the long-term tradeoffs of relying on reserves. One board member framed the core choice plainly: "There's only 2. There's spend less or raise taxes," saying the district has used reserves strategically but warned future fiscal pressure as reserves decline and employer pension contribution rates could rise under proposed Tier 6 reforms. The board approved companion items tied to the budget: the property tax report card and propositions for bus purchases and capital reserve creation.
Mrs. May described contingent-budget outcomes should voters reject the plan: elimination of equipment purchases and the $100,000 capital-outlay project, prohibition on free facility use, and no bus purchases, among other cuts. The motion to approve the budget and related documents passed by voice vote; the transcript records voice votes ('Aye; motion carried') but does not include a roll-call tally.
