The Tioga Central School District held an informational meeting yesterday to discuss the proposed 30 percent tax levy increase for the 2015-2016 school year. Increasing the levy by 30 percent means the district will collect about $900,000 more from taxpayers, which will make up a budget gap caused by losses in state aid, as well as increasing healthcare and pension costs. The school Superintendent said the district received less state aid than anticipated for the 2015-2016 school year. That aid covers roughly 75 percent of the budget. Yesterday, taxpayers had the opportunity to ask questions of the superintendent, who cleared up confusion about the potential tax increase, which is meant to prevent cuts to extracurricular programs. Residents said one concern is whether or not the tax levy increase is a long-term solution. There will be a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on May 6 to discuss the tax levy hike. There is another informational meeting at 6 p.m. on May 11. Both meetings are in the Tioga High School Cafeteria.
The budget vote to approve or reject the proposed 30 percent levy increase is May 19th from 12-8 p.m. in the district’s administrative building. Absentee ballots are available at the district office– the office can mail them upon request.
