Three propositions carry impact of 1 cent
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

In addition to the budget and three School Board members, the Williamsville Central School District community will be asked to vote on three propositions in the May 15 election.

No. 1: Mill Street Campus

Bond Proposition

The district has formulated a plan to reconstruct the bus loop at Mill Middle School, 505 Mill St., and expand parking. The drop-off and pickup area will be reconstructed as well.

Also, the bus garage, which houses 72 vehicles, will be renovated.

"The safety of our students is ultimately what is important here," said Thomas Maturski, assistant superintendent of finance and management services . "This would improve that whole area and create better flow of traffic for parents and students."

He estimated that the campus was built in the 1960s and updating it would better handle the increased amount of traffic.

The renovation of the bus garage will replace 20-year-old fuel storage pumps. Maturski said that would eliminate current environmental concerns.

The estimated cost of the project is $4,532,000. The proposition includes the transfer of $2 million from the transportation reserve fund, which offsets about 50 percent of the cost of the project.

The project is eligible for New York State aid. Maturski said the project will have a financial impact of 1 cent per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $1.50 per year on a home assessed at $150,000.

At its April 17 meeting, the board was questioned by a resident on its plans to purchase land on Mill Street for the project. Maturski said that although the idea had been discussed, the district will use its original site plan, which doesn't include purchasing land.

A meeting will be held about the project for Mill Street residents and Mill Middle School families at 4 p.m. Monday, May 7 at the school.

No. 2: Support Services

Facility Proposition

The second proposition involves purchasing a structure at 480 Lawrence Bell Drive to house the district's Operations and Maintenance and Child Nutrition departments. Maturski said the district will end all lease agreements where the departments are currently being housed, and that expenditure will be used for the cost of renovation.

"This proposition will allow the district to purchase the building. Those departments will be put at this site, and at no annual budget increase," he said. "This is extremely important to eliminate the lease expense."

He added that by owning the building the district will build equity. It will also improve efficiency in the departments.

The project is estimated at $2.1 million. The 19,380-square-foot structure will be renovated to include a loading dock, service bays for vehicle maintenance, and office space.

The district is currently paying $125,000 a year on leases. It is estimated the payback for the building will be completed in seven years.

There is no financial impact to the taxpayers for this project. Voter approval is needed for land purchases.

No. 3: Capital Reserve

Fund Proposition

Residents are being asked to approve the creation of a capital reserve fund to allow the district to save for building maintenance projects.

"This is a future planning item for school building projects, such as repairing roofs or heating systems," Maturski said.

Savings realized from different accounts will be transferred to the account, but funding will not be used without voter approval.

He said that with the rising costs involved in construction, the district wanted a fund to prepare for those costs when they arise.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com