Even though they were presented with a budget that was below contingency levels, voters in the Holley Central School district turned down the proposed $15.5 million package. There were 565 votes against the proposed budget and 499 in favor. The proposition to add $81,539 to the Holley Community Free Library budget was also defeated by a vote of 489 against and 478 in favor.

“When we developed the budget we went below the contingent levels,” District Business Administrator Ted Welch said. “Whatever the board decides to adopt now will be similar to what was on last night’s ballot.”

Under the auspices of a contingency budget, it is also within the board’s power to put additional funds into the package, but Welch said he “doesn’t see that happening.”

The district was faced with a $1.2 million deficit at the end of the 2001-2002 school year. An audit showed that most of the deficit was the result of overspending on special education services and other BOCES services. In March, the district identified the deficit and cut three teachers, seven aides and other miscellaneous positions.

Welch said the budget could go back to the public for another vote but he said he assumes that because it was below contingency levels that the board will adopt it. It’s likely the budget will be discussed, and possibly adopted at the regular board of education meeting on June 17, he said.

In a spirited race for board seats, Dennis Piedimonte captured the most votes at 612, followed by Nicholas Penna with 460 and Betty Drennan with 428. They each garnered enough votes to win board of education seats. Other vote getters in the race were: Jeanne Spada with 412; Albert Buell, 223; Rev. Randy Anson, 205; Amy O’Mara, 195; Salvatore DeLuca Jr. 188; Rev. Robert Oyer, 124; and Shannon Sauro-Quill with 112.