advertisement

Batavia schools post tentative budget, but change is likely

The Batavia public schools might be authorized to spend $84.82 million in fiscal year 2014-15, under a budget the school board will vote on Sept. 23.

That number is likely to change, however, because the district is still negotiating new contracts with its two employee unions.

District officials expect the district to receive $75.89 million in operating funds; as usual, about 81 percent of that will come from property taxes. It expects $9.99 million in property taxes for repaying debt.

Operating expenditures are listed at $74.62 million, about 2.5 percent more than the district projects having actually spent in the 2013-14 fiscal year. Salaries and benefits will account for the lion's share - 72 percent - of operating costs.

The budget calls for spending $1.39 million on capital projects, including rebuilding the track at Batavia High School.

It contains about $100,000 less for computer leases.

The district anticipates paying $10.2 million on its debt.

A public hearing on the budget was originally scheduled for the same night as the vote. But board member Melanie Impastato questioned that.

"Is that going to give us enough time to absorb what the public has to say (at the hearing) about the budget?" she asked. She suggested having the hearing at a finance committee meeting, and that it should be in the evening.

The board agreed to have the hearing at 5 p.m. Sept. 16.

The fiscal year began July 1. The school board has until Sept. 30 to adopt a budget.

The budget is online at bps101.net, or at the district's office, 335 W. Wilson St.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.