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Central Square staff outline 2026 budget: 3.28% increase; 2.99% tax levy proposed
Summary
District staff told the board the proposed 2026 budget increases total spending by 3.28% and would raise the tax levy by 2.99; staff explained that levy dollars, state aid and reserves make up the revenue picture and that a $0.38 per $1,000 estimated rate increase translates to roughly $38 on a $100,000 assessment.
District staff presented the proposed 2026 budget and the legal notices associated with the public hearing, telling the board that all budgets must be presented in three categories: program, administrative and capital. The presenter said roughly 75% of the budget is program, 16% capital (including debt service) and 9% administrative, and explained that the district plans to use savings and reserves while proposing a 2.99% tax levy increase to close deficits and preserve programming.
The presenter explained how tax rates vary across the district’s 11 townships because the levy is apportioned according to town assessments and New York State equalization rates. He gave an estimated tax rate of $12.98 per $1,000 of assessed value and an example impact of 38¢ per $1,000 — "so, essentially, a $100,000 assessed value is $38," he said. Board members and the superintendent discussed that some reserve uses are one-time and that contractual obligations (salaries, benefits) limit flexibility.
The presentation also previewed ballot propositions: Proposition 1 is the general fund budget; Proposition 2 covers transportation purchases (the presenter listed six large buses, three small buses and two transit vans); the Central Square Library will ask voters to increase its levy by $30,000; and three board seats will be on the ballot. Staff pointed attendees to copies of the budget and the property tax report card on the back table and on the district website.
Board members asked about the limits of state aid and how assessments affect taxpayers; the presenter reiterated that foundation aid increases and equalization rates shape district revenue and that final tax rates will be set after town assessment data is released in August.
