BC News

Voters approve 2008-09 budget
Release Date: May 20, 2008

Bethlehem Central residents approved the district’s proposed 2008-09 budget on Tuesday, May 20, by a final tally of 2,237 yes votes to 1,603 no votes.

Results were announced after polls at Bethlehem Central High School closed at 9 p.m.

The tax rate increases resulting from the $84.7 million budget have been projected at 3.79 percent for the town of Bethlehem and 4.90 percent for the town of New Scotland. The budget process began in January when the Citizens Budget Group held the first of five meetings to review the budget and major factors influencing it in 2008-09 and to offer the Board of Education feedback and suggestions. The Board adopted the budget on March 18.

The overall budget increase in 2008-09 will be $6.03 million in a year when the district is opening a new elementary school, facing a significant debt service increase, and maintaining a strong focus on student achievement. The budget includes cost-controlling measures in areas such as health insurance and special education.

"Given this difficult economic climate, I think this outcome says a great deal about the level of support for the district, and, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank voters for this show of confidence," Board of Education President James Lytle said. "I believe this is a sound budget - it maintains a strong academic program and provides the funding necessary to open Eagle and fulfill the community's investment in high quality facilities for our children. It also calls for the district to continue to make progress on holding the line on all spending, including special education and health insurance costs, a challenge we share with districts all over the State.”

Mr. Lytle added, "I also want to think the members of the Citizens Budget Group for their assistance. They asked important questions, provided valuable feedback, and contributed to the community's understanding of the budget process in Bethlehem. And we should thank our state legislators, Assemblyman Gordon and Senator Breslin, for their leadership in securing sufficient state support for our district. "

The district will set its final tax rates for the 2007-08 school year in August, based on final assessment figures and equalization rates for each town as provided by the state Office of Real Property Services.

On Tuesday, voters also approved a nearly $1.4 million proposition to purchase 18 new buses as part of its long-term replacement plan. The vote was 2,143 yes votes to 1,667 no votes.

Three candidates for three seats on the Board of Education were also on the ballot. As such, Board Vice President Jim Dering was elected to a second 3-year term, with Matt Downey and Laura Ladd Bierman taking office for their first terms on July 1. Vote tallies were as follows:

• James Dering: 2,818

• Matt Downey: 2,775

• Laura Ladd Bierman: 2,747

Board members Warren Stoker and Robin Storey, who each served three terms on the Board beginning in 1999, did not seek re-election this year.

 

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