Williamsville Schools
Budget tops $145 million, less than 1 percent increase in tax levy

Williamsville Central School District residents will have a lot to decide when they go to the polls on Tuesday, May 15.

This year's election has three open board seats with four candidates, three propositions and a $145 million budget for 2007-08.

The $145 million budget represents a 4.42 percent spending increase from the current year. Superintendent Howard S. Smith said that many costs are ones that the district has no control over such as health insurance, retirement and utilities.

The district estimates the tax rate will be $19.61 per $1,000 of assessed valuation - 16 cents more than the current year. For a house assessed at $150,000 the increase, after STAR adjustment, would be $25.

The district is estimating the projected tax increase will be .84 percent. Final figures are usually released in August when the final assessments are known.

The three open seats on the school board are currently held by President Ramona Popowich, Carolyn Giambra and Dr. Khalid Qazi. After 10 years Qazi decided not to seek re-election.

Newcomers Dawn Cerra and Carrie Kahn will be on the ballot along with incumbents Popowich and Giambra.

Residents will vote for three board members.

In addition three propositions need the approval of residents before the projects can go forward.

First is the 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 pick-up area also will be reconstructed.

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

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 project's costs.

The project is eligible for state aid. 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.

The second is a proposition to purchase land for a Support Services Facility. The district plans to buy a building at 480 Lawrence Bell Drive to house its Operations and Maintenance and Child Nutrition 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. There is no financial impact to the taxpayers for this project. Voter approval is needed for land purchases.

The third is the permission from taxpayers to create a capital reserve fund to allow the district to save for building maintenance projects.

Voting is from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at North High School, 1595 Hopkins Road.