Voters pass Hilton School budget

The $46 million Hilton School District budget that has been billed as a "tighten the belt" budget was passed Tuesday by a vote of 1,326 to 632. Along with the vote of confidence regarding the budget, the two other proposals up for vote also gained approval.

One proposition that called for the purchase of school buses passed 1,252-595; and one to expand the ability of the district to register voters was passed 1,261-531.

Filling the three open school board positions was Chris Cosgrove with 1,438 votes; Aggie Seneway with 1,348 votes; and Ted Welch with 1,313 votes. There were four candidates on the ballot including Lori Snyder who received 894 votes.

The budget does call for some cuts to combat the challenges that come as the result of September 11th’s impact on New York state’s economy, according to school district officials. State aid is anticipated to drop by about $89,000. A shaky stock market also cost the school district $1 million in retirement costs. These are mandated payments to the State Retirement System. Also playing a major role in budget woes is the state’s $1.25 million cut in building aid, forcing the district to refinance its old debt.

Superintendent John Cooper hit the road with other Hilton school officials to educate residents on the needs of Hilton students and how the budget would meet those needs. Prior to the vote, Cooper said the proposed budget took the current economic climate into account.

"In our budget presentations we described our primary objective as achieving a balance between the desire we share with the community for higher academic achievement for all students with the ability of the community to pay for these costs," said Cooper.

On Tuesday more than 1,300 residents voiced their approval of the school district’s budget.

"Hilton's positive vote on the budget reflects well on our community," Cooper said. "It shows confidence in our school system and the work we have put into developing a responsible budget. We are encouraged by our voter turnout and gratified at the residents' support."