Many residents attended a public hearing last night regarding the Tioga Central School District’s proposed 2015-2016 budget, which involves a 30 percent tax levy increase. The school board proposed the $900,000 budget increase to replenish the district’s reserve funds, and make up for increases in healthcare and pension costs, as well as for state aid the schools never received. Some residents said their individual tax increase, if the budget passes, would amount to nearly a week’s paycheck. School board members said if the budget gets voted down, there is a chance that a new budget, with a smaller tax levy increase, would be proposed. But, the board has not drawn plans for such a budget yet. The only alternative, if the budget fails to pass, is to adopt a contingency budget, which would mean severe program cuts. The Superintendent said those cuts could include the closure of the swimming pool, teacher layoffs and the halt of full-day kindergarten. The vote to approve or reject the budget is scheduled for May 19th.
