Williamsville Schools' proposed budget reduced with taxpayers in mind
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Williamsville School District's 2008-09 budget won't be as big a burden to taxpayers as originally thought.

Since releasing the preliminary budget in February, the district went from expecting a 4.69 percent spending increase to 4.10, but the better news for taxpayers is that the estimated tax levy increase is down to 2.64 percent, from 4.23 percent.

The outlook could still improve, with revenue and assessment details still not final.

But a smaller budget came with sacrifice. During the March 25 budget work session, Superintendent Howard S. Smith outlined where cuts had been made to the preliminary budget.

"We don't like to have to reduce areas, but we have to make sacrifices and decisions," Smith said. "A nearly $1 million reduction is going to have some impact."

A total of $850,000 has been cut from the original spending plan, including more than $250,000 saved in attrition through teacher retirements.

Also added to that list, the $178,000 budgeted for students competing in state competitions was cut in half. Smith said each student who qualifies for a state competition, whether an athlete or scholar, will receive $250. Any remaining cost will be paid for by the student or booster club, if applicable. Smith noted that the $250 is subject to review in some cases and isn't a set rule.

Spending for athletic field improvements was also decreased. It is not known at this time which fields will be impacted next year.

Plans to add 1.4 English as a second language teachers was reduced to .7. While that will reduce class sizes compared to this year, the change won't be as significant as planned. The district also plans to use $100,000 from its reserves.

State aid is expected to increase $3.29 million, $700,000 more than recorded in the preliminary budget.

After those changes, the tax levy was still expected to increase 2.64 percent. Because of uncertainties, the final tax rate is unknown and is usually finalized in the late summer. The district stills needs the assessment rate from the Town of Amherst, expected to increase approximately 2 percent.

"What this means to the people, a tax increase of .8 to 1 percent," Smith said, adding that he thinks the estimated tax levy increase will be one of the lowest in Erie County.

If the 2 percent assessment increase is realized, the district is anticipating a tax rate increase of .86 percent, according to Smith's March 25 presentation.

With spending reductions and revenue increases, the proposed budget is $151.22 million. The board is expected to adopt the budget at its April 8 meeting.

Voters will decide to approve or deny the spending plan on Tuesday, May 20.

Discussions by the board members about reducing the proposed budget focused on keeping the tax increase as low as possible to respond to rising costs in residents' everyday lives.

Also on this year's ballot is one proposition: to allow the purchase of 437 Mill St., at a cost of $120,000. The property is adjacent to the entrance for Mill Middle School. Acquiring the land would allow for an additional entrance, which will create an opening for emergency access.

In addition to the budget and Mill Street proposition, three board seats will be up for election. Petitions for candidates are due April 21, and following that date the slate will be announced.

For information, visit www. williamsvillek12. org.