Hilton School board approves budget

Hilton school board members voted unanimously to approve a $57.1 million spending plan. The budget for 2005-2006 is 4.63 percent higher than the budget currently in place. What that means for taxpayers is a tax rate increase of 2.95 percent.

The current tax rate in Parma and Clarkson is $23.14 per $1,000 of assessed value and under the budget adopted by the school board, the tax rate will be $23.82 per $1,000 of assessment. The projected tax impact on a home assessed for $100,000 with a basic STAR exemption would be $43.80, with an enhanced STAR exemption it would be $34.50 and with no STAR exemption, $69. Greece residents who live in the Hilton district would pay $24.81 per $1,000. The Hamlin tax rate has not been established yet.

The main issues contributing to the increases, Budget Director Adam Geist said, were continued increases in mandatory retirement system contributions, continued increases in health care costs and increases to several BOCES service areas.

Before the budget was adopted, district officials worked to trim the costs without trimming instructional staff. Geist said the district uses a systematic process that involves both staff and community members to develop the budget.

"This budget sustains our instructional programs and provides the students with a challenging and rewarding educational experience," he said.

The budget goes before the public on May 17.