Budget News: District to propose 5.9% tax levy increase, fund balance use, and cuts to close 2024-25 budget gap

Cazenovia Central School District administrators and board of education members have been reviewing survey and community feedback to best align 2024-25 budget priorities with the district’s mission, vision and goals. The district is dedicated to preserving the excellent programming currently in place while closing its budget gap.

“Because of rising costs and our district’s decrease in state aid allocated in the governor’s budget proposal, we are facing hard decisions this year — and expect to again next year. We truly appreciate everyone who has shared their questions, concerns, and ideas with us. Your input has been essential as we navigate these challenging financial decisions,” said Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio.

With community feedback in mind, in order to balance the proposed $38.8 million budget, district administration and the board are proposing a 5.9% tax levy increase (a decrease from last year’s 6.9%), fund balance use of $1,654,009 (an increase from last year), along with strategic cuts. This combination allows the district to preserve more student programming and staff positions than initially anticipated and aims to alleviate the burden on its taxpayers. 

Because the proposal is above the district’s revised tax levy limit of 4.02%, 60% of voters would need to approve the budget for it to pass. The estimated projected increase per $100,000 of assessed home value is as follows: Cazenovia $117, Fenner $129, and Nelson $129.

The administrative team is still determining which staff positions can be preserved and will meet directly with any employees who may be impacted. “Our student programming and our staff at Cazenovia are the backbone of this district. The reality of having to make cuts is incredibly painful. There are no easy choices here, but it’s our responsibility to find the best solutions to close the gap, sustain the excellence of our district, and preserve our identity,” DiFulvio said.

The district also recently received notification from Senator Al Stirpe that some state funding will be restored. These funds are included in the district’s budget proposal. There is a possibility that additional funds could be restored, and if that happens, the district plans to evenly offset the use of fund balance and tax levy.

“We want to extend our gratitude to the community for their advocacy and input throughout this process. We’re also thankful to the Board of Education for their unwavering support of our students, staff, and budget initiatives. Their dedication enables us to maintain the high standards of education and support that our community expects and deserves,” shared DiFulvio.

The Board of Education is expected to adopt the proposed budget at its regular meeting on Monday, April 15. A budget hearing presentation for the public will be held at 6:30pm on Tuesday, May 14. District residents will then vote on the proposed 2024-25 school budget on Tuesday, May 21.

For more detailed budget information, please visit the district’s business office webpage.