The Southold school board is scheduled to adopt its budget next Wednesday. (Credit: Jen Nuzzo)
The Southold school board is considering adopting a $29.1 million budget carrying a 1.66 percent increase to next year’s tax levy.
During a budget workshop Wednesday night, district business administrator Charles Scheid said the nearly $416,000 hike in the tax levy is just under the mandated cap.
Mr. Scheid explained the allowable limit is under 2 percent because state law calls for a cap on increases of either 2 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is lower.
In Southold’s case, Mr. Scheid said, it’s 1.66 percent.
The budget also carries a 1.16 percent spending increase to maintain programs, as well as increases in salary and transportation costs, among other expenses.
As for savings, Mr. Scheid projects a reduction in special education and BOCES services next school year due to less enrollment in those areas.
Superintendent David Gamberg noted that since the 2004-05 school year, the tentative spending plan is the only proposal where “both the change in the tax levy and change in the budget is below 2 percent.”
“The budget-to-budget change is the lowest of any of the 11 years,” he said.
The school board is expected to adopt a budget next Wednesday, April 22.