Hilton Central School District Budget Development for the 2010-11 School Year

August 17, 2010 Board approves tax rates for 2010-11   

 I    ANNUAL BUDGET VOTE & BOARD ELECTION TUESDAY MAY 18, 2010    I  

BUDGET PASSES 1,322-842; INCUMBENTS RETURNED TO BOARD

Budget Proposal - Proposition 1 Be it resolved that the Board of Education of the Hilton Central School District, County of Monroe, New York, is hereby authorized to expend the Budget as set forth showing expenditures of $68,631,794 and to levy the necessary taxes thereof.

Bus Purchase - Proposition 2 Resolved that the Board of Education of the Hilton Central School District is hereby authorized to undertake the acquisition of six, 65-passenger school buses at an estimated maximum cost of $100,000 each; four, 24-passenger wheelchair school buses at an estimated maximum cost of $70,000 each; and three, seven-passenger suburbans at an estimated maximum cost of $25,000 each at an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $955,000, less any trade-in value.  

 Video Online Budget Discussion l   2010-11 Budget Presentation   I    Budget Notice    I     Budget Insight    l   Three-Part Budget - Educational, Capital and Administrative Components  

Ask a question: budget@hilton.k12.ny.us

April 14, 2010   Board adopts $68.6 million 2010-11 budget proposal

Tune in to T-W Cable CH 12 "Budget Video" May 13 & May 17 at 7 pm

Informal 'Meet the Candidates' set for Tuesday, May 4, 6 pm-7 pm Board Meeting Room, 225 West Ave., Hilton

Budget FAQ: Frequently-asked Questions:    I     585-392-1000 ext. 7034

Why is the 2010 Budget proposal virtually frozen at current year level?  The challenge to public school systems is to maintain a quality of education for all students while recognizing the limited resources available within the community. The 2010-11Budget Proposal in the amount of $68,631,794, reflects a $115,898 total dollar increase over the current year budget, a 0.17% increase. The proposed budget is virtually frozen at the current year level. Tax rates are: 0.25% decrease for Parma; 2.84% increase for Greece and Clarkson; a 55.6% decrease for Hamlin as the Town is completing its full-value reassessment this year. Equalization rates are based on an equalization rate of 100% and are set by the State’s Office of Real Property Services and equalize the amount paid by each town by owners of homes of equal market value. 2010-11 Budget Presentation

How has the Governor’s proposed State Budget impacted us? As things currently stand; the Governor’s proposed state budget would result in the reduction of $3.2 million in state aid to the Hilton Central School District; or a 10% reduction in state aid. As a school system that receives a significant amount of aid, the potential loss of funds posed a real threat to opportunities for children and the organization as a whole. The Governor’s proposed cut in state aid to the Hilton Central School District is twice the amount that the district lost last year at this time. To put this into perspective, when the current budget was rolled over including anticipated increases in health care, retirement, BOCES expenditures and contractual obligations and applied the proposed state aid reduction, we initially faced an unacceptable 17% increase in the local property tax rate to maintain the Hilton school system as it currently operates.

What has been the effect of New York State fiscal crisis?  The ongoing Great Recession has given rise to one of the most severe State budget crises in recent memory. As of mid-April, the Governor and Legislature had not yet reached agreement on a plan to close a State budget deficit of nearly $10 billion. Included in the Governor’s January 2010 budget proposal was a $2 billion reduction in aid to education, which translates into a 10% reduction for the Hilton School District, or $3.2 million. In the absence of a Legislative agreement on the Budget, the District has included this loss of aid in its revenue projections and has included a number of reductions in its proposed 2010-11 budget.

How has the State’s delays in payment of State Aid affected Hilton?  Thus far there have been two disruptions to scheduled payments of school aid by the State of New York, one in late December and one in late March. The duration of these disruptions was short enough that the District was able to absorb the delay without the need to externally borrow.  There have recently been indications from the State of another payment delay in June of unknown magnitude and duration. Due to the use of reserves planned in the 2010-11 budget, the District may need to consider an external borrowing of funds in the event that a June State Aid payment disruption does occur.

What were the Budget Survey Results done in late February taking the 'pulse' of the school community?   The Board of Education accepted the results of the online Budget Survey which appeared on the main page of the Hilton District website from February 24-March 9, 2010 at its March 9 regular meeting. Assistant Superintendent for Business Steven Ayers presented the results. There were 373 surveys completed.  Responses to questions on possible program cuts; possible extracurricular activities cuts; possible staffing cuts; use of the district's reserve funds; and use of property taxes to balance the budget are included in the results: BUDGET SURVEY RESULTS  For further information/questions, please contact Mr. Ayers at 585-392-1000 ext. 7034.

What was included in the First and Second Draft 2010-11 Budget; a way to study the changing revenue picture  The Board of Education heard a presentation of the FIRST DRAFT 2010-11 BUDGET at its March 9 regular meeting.  "The first draft budget was intended to provide the Board of Education with a broad-based view and context for the 2010-11 Budget,” Superintendent of Schools David Dimbleby said.  “It was an opportunity for the Board to provide direct feedback to the Superintendent and provided a first look opportunity for the community. The loss of state aid coupled with the poor economic picture resulted in some difficult and painful reductions included in the first draft.  The intent of presenting a draft budget a month prior to approval is to garner feedback from the Board of Education, stakeholder and community groups in order to make refinements prior to a formal recommendation and approval by the Board of Education on April 13."  The Hilton District Administrative Cabinet, working in teams, made targeted reduction amounts in their areas of oversight.  These targeted reduction areas were then prioritized by the Cabinet and then further examined by the Assistant Superintendents and Superintendent before inclusion into the first draft 2010-11 budget. “There remains the possibility of additional revenues through the adoption of the State budget, which is due April 1, or approval of additional federal funding similar to last year’s Stimulus (a bill has passed the House and is still under consideration in the Senate).  If either of these events were to occur prior to the scheduled adoption of the budget by the Board on April 13, they could result in some restoration of reductions,” he said.  Following the feedback received from the Board at the March 9th meeting, refinement to the SECOND DRAFT BUDGET will continue and an updated budget including revenue projections will be shared and examined at the March 23 Board meeting.  The Superintendent’s recommended budget will finally be presented to the Board of Education on April 13.

Will the Marching Band still be funded in the 2010-11 budget? During the budget development process, consideration was given to eliminating the funding of the Marching Band. This was a very difficult idea to consider as the Hilton Crimson Cadet Marching Band has a very rich and successful tradition and has been a source of community pride for decades. However, the participation levels in the Marching Band have dropped significantly in recent years, which precipitated consideration of its elimination. Due to the overwhelming outpouring of support for the continuation of the Marching Band, its funding was restored in the proposed 2010-11 budget, contingent on enrollment of 75 students by June 1, a member of the District’s professional staff serving as Marching Band Director, and community approval of the budget proposal that includes funding for the Marching Band.

What is the process by which the budget is developed?   Budget Committees and administrative cabinet meetings begin discussion and budget preparation in the fall. Members of the community, administrators, teachers and staff serve on Budget Committees; proposals are due Feb. 1 in the Business Office/Budget Director. The public budget vote and board election is May 18, 2010. 

How much is spent per pupil in the Hilton District and how does that compare to other districts? We measure cost per pupil by dividing the total district budget by the total student enrollment. The District’s average spending per pupil was $14,966 in 2009-10. This is the lowest per-pupil cost in Monroe County, and lower than 90% of all school districts in New York State. See CHART at  right.

"Difficult and painful decisions"  -- February 10, 2010 Good to Great Newsletter: the Superintendent weighs in on the Governor's Budget Proposal Governor Paterson’s proposed state budget that was unveiled in January has created one of the most challenging budget seasons in decades. The proposed state budget recommends the reduction of $3.2 million in state aid to the Hilton Central School District; a 10% aid reduction.  The potential loss of state aid is twice the amount proposed last year at this time. To put this into perspective, if we roll over the current budget and include anticipated increases in health care, retirement, BOCES and contractual obligations and apply the proposed state aid reduction, the result would be a 17.69% increase in the local property tax rate. Clearly this is an unacceptable level for the district and community to consider and cause for concern.  We have never experienced a proposed reduction in state aid of this magnitude. Following discussions with the Board of Education, leadership team and bargaining unit leaders, we have implemented a number of mid-year budget cuts in 2009-10 to reduce our current level of spending and better prepare ourselves for an uncertain future. As we look to 2010-11, we again are examining all areas budgeted areas including non-staff codes, personnel and programmatic expenditures in an effort to reduce costs and develop a responsible school budget.  Our district budget committees, school leaders and Board of Education are considering all options as we develop next year’s budget that will be put before the voters on Tuesday, May 18.  If the Governor’s proposed budget is enacted or the state fails to approve an on-time budget by April 1, this district will be forced to make some difficult and painful decisions that will adversely impact employees, the organization and our community. -- Superintendent David Dimbleby, Superintendent's Page 

What is the impact of the Budget Proposal on educational programs, services? The total volume of reductions made to the proposed 2010-11 budget was $3.1 million, representing 4.5% of total expenditures. Reductions of this magnitude cannot be made without visible changes in programs and services.   Included in the reduction is the elimination of 28.8 full time equivalent positions. Consequently, class sizes will be larger in 2010-11, and there will be a reduction in the number of athletic and extracurricular activities for students. The spacing of bus stops will be increased, which will mean students may walk greater distances to reach their bus stops. There will be reduction in non-mandated student support service, including much of the summer programming. Finally there will be a reduction in the annual purchases of instructional computer hardware and software. Has there been a impact on Pre-Kindergarten? A Pre-Kindergarten program for four-year-olds in the District began in 2007. The five-day a week, half-day session meets for two and a half hours per day; transportation provided by parents. The current enrollment for 2009-10 is 98 with 72 students located in district classrooms and 26 served by community-based preschool programs. New York State funding is projected to continue at the same level.   As a result, the District does not expect to change enrollment for 2010-11.

 Are there open positions on the Board of Education?   In an uncontested race, there will be three, three-year positions on the ballot for the Board of Education. Candidates are current incumbents: Michelle Ames, Steve Beauvais and Barbara Cutrona:

Michelle Ames	Steve Beauvais	Barbara Cutrona

BUDGET CALENDAR 2010 includes public participation on Budget Development Committees, public hearings and public discussions at the regular Board of Education meetings, presentations for civic groups as well as a budget newsletter mailed to all district residents.

• Committee budget proposals due Feb. 1, 2010

• Board reviews rollover budget Jan. 26, 2010 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Board reviews debt service and BOCES budget Feb. 9, 2010 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Board review of benefits, salary and budget Feb. 23, 2010 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Board review first draft of the budget Mar. 9, 2010 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Board continues review first draft of the budget Mar. 23, 2010 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Board adoption of budget proposal expected April 13, 2010 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Return Board of Education petitions to District Clerk by 5 pm April 19, 2010 - District Offices, 225 West Ave., Hilton

  Board adoption of BOCES budget expected April 27, 2010 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Budget Insight mailed May 10, 2010

• Public Hearing on Budget May 11, 2010 - Board of Education Meeting 7 pm District Offices

• Budget Vote & Board Election May 18, 2010

How will the budget affect my tax bill? Changes in tax rates between towns can be difficult to compare, as they are dependent on the tax levy, total assessments in each town, and the percentage of full value at which each town’s properties are assessed.   For taxpayers in the towns of Clarkson and Greece, assessments for both 2009-10 and 2010-11 are at full value.   For these residents, the tax rates are projected to increase by 2.84%.   For Parma residents, their recent assessment update increased the town from 97% of full value to 100% of full value.   This change factors into the tax rates, which will enable them to decline by an estimated 0.25%.   Finally, residents of Hamlin are experiencing their first full value reassessment in over 25 years.   This will bring them from assessments that were 43% of full value to 100% of full value.   This in turn will cause a significant drop in the tax rate, an estimated 55.78%, bringing them in line with the other three towns, with the same projected tax rate. The taxes for an average house in the district assessed at $100,000 will increase by approximately $43. [qualifying for basic STAR exemption]. Taxes are projected to be approximately $1,563 on a home in the Hilton School District assessed at $100,000 [net of STAR]. The taxes in the Hilton School District are seventh lowest in Monroe County. Seniors with the “Enhanced” STAR exemption will see their taxes increase by approximately $25. TAX RATES PROJECTED FOR 2010-11:

How does the Hilton District’s tax rate compare to other districts in the county? The District’s 2009-10 tax rate was $22.38/$1,000 assessed valuation, which placed it seventh lowest among all districts in Monroe County. See CHART at right.

How are school taxes determined?    School tax is computed using the school tax levy, property assessment and equalization rates. The Hilton Central School District uses property values provided by the four towns in the school district – Parma, Greece, Clarkson and Hamlin – to levy taxes. Each property within a town is assigned a value by the town assessor. The New York State Office of Real Property Services evaluates each town’s assessment practices and sets specific equalization rates to ensure a fair tax burden distribution across the district.

How does an increase in property assessment affect school taxes?   School taxes are based on the school tax levy, property assessments, and equalization rates. The only factor within the district’s control is the school tax levy [local share], which is the total dollar amount collected from property owners to support school district operations. The tax levy  is the total amount of tax dollars needed to make projected revenues equal to projected expenses. The tax rate is computed by dividing the tax levy – the total tax dollars needed – by the total value of all properties [assessments] that make up the school district’s tax base. The tax levy is shared on a proportionate basis by all taxpayers based on the assessed value of their property. If a property assessment goes up, school taxes may or may not increase. For example, if the assessment increases on the same percentage basis that it does for all other property owners in town, and all other factors remain unchanged, the school tax bill would not change. This is because the tax burden still is being distributed equitably among all property owners.  However, if your property assessment has increased at a higher percentage than other properties in town, your tax burden also will increase. In some instances, a particular neighborhood’s property assessments will change more significantly than other properties throughout town. The town is solely responsible for determining property assessments. If you have questions about your property assessment, please contact the town assessor. If you have questions about the school tax levy – the total dollars needed from property owners to support the operation of the school district – please contact Hilton CSD Business Office at 585-392-1000 ext. 7034/7097.

How is the contingency budget determined?   The amount of a contingency budget is dictated by a formula provided by the New York State Education Department. The State stipulates the maximum amount that a contingency budget can be, but in the event voters do not approve a proposed budget, the board would not be obligated to adopt the highest dollar amount allowed by the contingent budget. The school district is required to calculate the contingency budget information and to share it with the public via the Budget Notice included in the Budget Insight mailed to all district homes in the week preceding the vote. The District is obligated to honor all of the contracts as well as provide sports and transportation in the same manner as in prior years. What services would be affected by a ‘contingency’ budget?  Voter approval of this budget will continue to provide students with core educational services, but in the event of a budget defeat NYS Education Law provides for a contingency budget in which there would be no equipment purchases beyond State-mandated limits and no community use of facilities without user fees. The maximum amount by which a public school may increase its budget under a contingent budget is based upon a formula that uses changes in the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI).  Due to the fact that the CPI was unchanged over the past twelve month, a contingent budget is capped at the 2009-10 level  The proposed 2010-11 Budget represents an increase of $115,898 over the 2009-10 budget.  Consequently, in the event that a contingent budget were adopted by the Board, the proposed budget would have to be reduced by no less than $115,898. Hilton CSD is obligated to honor all of the contracts as well as provide sports and transportation in the same manner as prior years.

What measures are being used to control cost?  The school district has explored cost-saving measures in recent years. To reduce heating costs, we have turned back thermostats in all district buildings as well as many other energy-savings measures.  For more: Monroe County School Boards Cost Efficiencies in School Districts     l    "The Best for Less" Video from Monroe County School Boards Association 

What are Reserve Funds used for?  "Targeted accounts that can only be used in clearly specified ways; need voter approval."  - Video on Reserve Funds produced by the Monroe County School Boards Association.

How has the county sales tax settlement impacted the budget?  The Hilton School District was affected by Monroe County's sales tax intercept which resulted in a 50 percent reduction in sales tax revenue when instituted in October 2007. To cover an increasing Medicaid burden, county government withheld money from school districts, altering a long-standing state law outlining the sharing of sales tax revenue.  After a legal challenge by local school districts, Monroe County withdrew its plan in July 2008.  A repayment agreement is in place, but the entire sum of money due the district won't be repaid for five years. The payment of withheld funds from the County will continue this year.

Voting Information/Absentee Ballots   You must be a registered voter to vote in Hilton School District Annual Budget Vote and Board Election.  Voter registration is required. Residents wishing to vote in the Hilton School District Budget Vote and Board Election are required to be registered voters with the Monroe County Board of Elections [having voted in any general election within the past four years at your current address] or registered with the District. To register with the district please call the District Clerk at 585-392-1000 ext. 7099.  No proof of residency is required at the time of the vote.   Absentee ballots are available for registered voters who are unable to appear at the Budget Vote due to vacation outside the county, hospitalization, illness or other qualifying circumstances. Qualified voters may request an application for an absentee ballot at the District Clerk's Office at the West Avenue Building, 225 West Ave., Hilton Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter. Completed applications are examined and reviewed by the District Clerk. Residents whose application forms are approved will receive an absentee ballot. Returns of completed ballots in person must be at the District Clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the vote.  For absentee ballot or district voter registration, please call District Clerk Patricia Unterborn at 585-392-1000 ext. 7099.  Polling locations:  There are two polling locations open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.  All residents of the town of Greece vote at the Northwood Elementary School, 433 No. Greece Rd. only.  All Parma, Hamlin and Clarkson residents vote at Hilton High School, 400 East Ave. Hilton. No proof of residency is required. You must be a registered voter with Monroe County Board of Elections or registered with the District.  VOTING REQUIREMENTS.  For further information, call 585-392-1000 ext. 7099.

BUDGET RESULTS 2009  Hilton Central School District’s Budget Vote was held Tuesday, May 19, 2009.  Voters in the Hilton Central School District approved the $68.5 million Budget by a vote of 869 – 321 on May 19, 2009 at the annual Budget Vote and Board Election. The $650,000 bus purchase proposition was also passed by a vote of 817 – 347.   Incumbents returned to Board of Education for three-year terms were: Daniel Wellington with 945 votes, current Board President, and Robert Prorok with 892 votes. The Budget Insight May 2009 was mailed to all households in the district.  TAX RATES SET FOR 2009-10 

BUDGET RESULTS 2008   Budget passes 992-580; Bus Purchase passes 970-578 - May 20, 2008 Vote.  Residents of the Hilton Central School District passed the District’s 2008-09 $66.7 million budget by a vote of 992-580. One additional proposition also passed: a $814,000 school bus purchase proposition by a vote of 970-578.  Two, three-year positions on the Board of Education were decided.  Returned to the Board were incumbents Aggie Seneway by a vote of 1,245 and Tim Gagnon by a vote of 1,203.The Hilton Board of Education had voted April 8, 2008 to adopt the $66,664,457 Budget Proposal for the 2008-09 school year reflecting an estimated decrease of 0.13% in the local tax rate. Annual Budget Notice: Budget Insight May 2008  mailed to all households in the Hilton Central School District.  Board sets tax rates for 2008-09