At its regular meeting on April 13, the Hilton Central School District Board of Education adopted an $87,378,298 budget proposal for the 2021-22 school year. This is a 3.45 percent increase from last year’s budget, which, if approved by voters, will result in an estimated 2.96 percent tax rate increase in Clarkson due to the town’s equalization rate decreasing from 100 percent to 95 percent; a 2.21 percent decrease in Greece; a 2.25 percent decrease in Hamlin due to a 91 percent equalization rate; and a 2.01 percent increase in Parma due to the town’s equalization rate decreasing from 97 percent to 93 percent. Using the equalization rates in the four towns, a home in the Hilton School District valued at $100,000 will see an estimated tax bill decrease of $50.
“Building a school district budget is always a challenge due to the economic climate when the plan is being developed,” said Superintendent Dr. Casey Kosiorek. “The process has been especially challenging during the COVID-19 crisis, but we have been fortunate as a result of increased state aid to maintain our current staffing and programming. We are very thankful for this additional funding.”
The proposed property tax levy increase is 1.83 percent, which is at the state imposed property tax levy cap of 1.83 percent. District residents can vote on the budget proposition as well as a $1,159,511 bus purchase proposition, and two open positions on the Board of Education.
“I want to thank the Board of Education, administration, and all who served on the building and department committees for their input during this challenging budget development process,” added Kosiorek.
Voters will select two board members to serve three-year terms. The terms of Thomas Abbott and Russell Byer will expire June 30. The candidates are: Ed Mascadri, Kara Olds, Stephanie Sloan, and Chotsani Whitt. A Meet the Candidates Night will be held Monday, May 10, at 7 p.m. in the Quest Elementary School auditorium. A livestream will be available and instructions on how to join will be posted at Hilton.k12.ny.us.
Budget details are available at Hilton.k12.ny.us/Budget. A budget newsletter will be mailed to residents soon. The budget hearing will be held Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m. in the Quest Elementary School auditorium. A livestream will be available and instructions on how to join will be posted at Hilton.k12.ny.us.
To vote, one must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, and a Hilton Central School District resident for at least 30 days prior to vote.
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