Holley presents school budget to public

$23.3 million spending plan holds line on taxes

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Central School District Board of Education held their annual meeting and budget hearing on Tuesday.

Sharon Zacher, assistant superintendent for business, presented the $23.3 million 2015-16 school budget, which does not increase taxes. The budget maintains current programs and services and shows a 7.06 percent budget-to-budget decrease from 2014-15.

The decrease in the 2015-16 budget was possible, “because of additional debt paid down in the 2014-15 school year,” Zacher said.

According to the district, the average tax rate will be approximately $22.44 per $1,000 of assessed value.

District residents will vote on the budget on May 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School foyer.

Zacher said in order to vote, residents must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of the Holley Central School District for at least 30 days before the vote and must have proper ID.

In addition to the budget, voters will decide on two additional propositions. The first would authorize the purchase of two full-sized school buses, one wheelchair bus and one 30-passenger school bus at a total cost not to exceed $355,000.

The second additional proposition authorizes the district to raise $108,072 to support the Community Free Library in Holley. Library Director Sandra Shaw attended the meeting and said the budget is a 2 percent increase over the last year’s budget and follows the tax cap.

“The majority of the money is for payroll,” Shaw said, noting she has five staff members.

Two candidates are running for three open seats on the Board of Education.

Jeff Martin, the school district attorney, said voters will be able to write-in a candidate’s name for the third vacant seat. Voters cannot vote for more than three candidates in total.

Anne Winkley and Mark Porter are current board members and are running for re-election. The third seat up for election is now occupied by John (Jack) Welch, who is not seeking re-election.

Winkley said she hopes to continue to provide students in the district with the best possible education, “and make sure our mission statement stays in place (while being financially) responsible to the community.”

Porter said he would like to continue to work with administrators, teachers, staff and students to ensure, “we have successful students coming out of Holley.” Porter has also stressed the need to be financially responsible to taxpayers students and staff.