Board hears budget update; levy rises to 3.38% after decision to purchase buses

The Lake Placid Central School District board discussed its proposed budget, with a board member saying the district's tax levy would increase from 3% to 3.38% because the district is planning to purchase buses rather than lease them.

The board chair opened the budget discussion and a board member (S4) explained that purchasing buses increases near-term levy pressure because the district will spread bus costs over five years, though that bus expenditure can be excluded from the levy calculation. That, S4 said, is the principal reason the levy rose to 3.38% from the 3% figure the board had previously used.

The superintendent (S6) and S4 also reported encouraging state-level news: proposed "safe harmless" reductions are not expected to take effect this year, which the speakers said would be a boon for the district. S4 said that if additional state aid arrives, the district would reduce reliance on fund balance rather than raise the levy further.

The board was reminded that the BOCES administrative budget vote will take place Monday and that BOCES-supplied attachments were included to contextualize that vote. Board members were asked to review those materials ahead of the vote.

No formal action on the district budget adoption was recorded during this meeting; discussion focused on assumptions driving the proposed levy and funding sources. The district indicated it will continue to monitor state aid and finalize contract details (including a pending CSEA contract) that affect final budget numbers.