Hamilton Central School District budget would raise tax levy 4% to cover special‑education costs, expiring COVID funds and vehicle purchases

Hamilton Central School District held a budget hearing on May 14 where administrators reviewed a proposed 2024‑25 budget that would increase overall spending by 4.32% and raise the tax levy by 4%. The district said it is facing heightened special‑education costs, expiring pandemic relief funds and uncertainty in state foundation aid.

Matt, who led the presentation, said personnel remains the largest cost driver and estimated about $11,000,000 of the district’s budget goes to salaries and benefits. He said the district currently has 169 students with individualized education plans or 504 plans — roughly 30% of enrollment — the highest level the district has seen. Matt also said the district anticipates 11 students will be placed in programs outside the district next year and noted those placements carry substantial tuition costs.

"We currently have 169 students that either have an individualized education plan or 504 plan," Matt said. "Roughly 30%. That's the highest that they've ever been."

Why it matters: special‑education tuition and out‑placements are a major local cost pressure that offer limited near‑term offsets. Administrators told the hearing the state’s foundation aid formula is under review but that, because the state budget arrived late this year, HCS is effectively starting next year with an approximate $112,000 shortfall if the expected minimum increase does not materialize.

District leaders said some pandemic relief funds are also winding down. The district received about $1,100,000 in COVID relief funds in 2020–21, and administrators estimated roughly $400,000 of that funding is now expiring. To avoid immediate program cuts or layoffs, the district plans to use targeted reserves over a multi‑year plan and said Colgate has pledged a voluntary $65,000 contribution for the 2024‑25 year to help plug near‑term shortfalls.

"Colgate has decided to step up and contribute an extra $65,000," Matt said, calling the gift a significant help in balancing the budget.

Administrators also reviewed program growth and trade‑offs: the district cited roughly $350,000 tied to career and technical education enrollment (about 35 high‑school students), maintained eight AP courses at the high school, and described several staffing adjustments (one elementary retirement will not be replaced; a vacant high‑school science position will be combined with a special‑education role; some part‑time support roles will be redistributed).

In capital planning, the presentation noted two vehicle purchases (a 30‑passenger bus and a van/suburban) will appear as Proposition 2 on the May 21 ballot, and the associated debt service for those vehicles is included in the budget and described as not to exceed $180,000. Administrators said they have completed a fleet study and are planning for eventual electrification, though they cautioned the transition will take engineering and infrastructure work.

The school budget and propositions will be voted May 21 at the bus garage; administrators opened the meeting for public questions after the presentation. The board recessed to an executive session at the end of the public hearing to discuss real‑property matters.