Mahopac board outlines $148 million proposed budget and 0% proposed tax levy amid public concern

The Mahopac Central School District presented its recommended 2026–27 operating budget to the Board of Education, showing a proposed total of about $148,000,000 and a budget-to-budget increase of roughly 2.23%. The administration also presented a proposed tax levy of about $94,000,000 — a 0% increase against a calculated allowable levy-growth cap of about 2.32%.

The district’s finance presenter said state-aid projections in the governor’s preliminary plan would raise operating aid by about 2.78% (excluding universal prekindergarten), and noted foundation-aid elements rose about 1.79%. The presenter warned that some aid lines are expense-driven and that the preliminary numbers could change before finalization in April.

Why it matters: district leaders said more than 75% of the district’s revenue comes from local property taxes, while the portion of the budget that is discretionary (material supplies, athletics, curriculum enhancements, facility upgrades) is roughly 21.85% of the overall spending envelope. That limited flexibility means recurring contractual obligations (salaries, special education, transportation, utilities) drive long-term fiscal planning.

Public and union speakers criticized the prospect of a second consecutive 0% levy. Dara Bergwits, a teacher and vice president of the local teachers’ association, told the board that “a second consecutive 0 levy raises serious long term fiscal concerns,” warning that repeated reliance on reserves to hold the levy flat would create structural imbalance and shift pressure into future budgets.

Board president and trustees answered questions on reserves, the effect of last year’s one-time state-aid windfall, and timing: the administration noted that budget adoption is scheduled later in the cycle, with additional presentations on April 21, a public budget hearing in May and a district vote on May 19.

Next steps: the board will continue presentations in April, finalize budget numbers in accordance with state deadlines and place the final budget and related propositions before voters in the May election. The administration emphasized that numbers presented at the meeting were preliminary and subject to change before formal adoption.