School planning 2% cut in tax levy

STAR LAKE — The Clifton-Fine Central School Board of Education has approved a proposed budget for next year that reduces costs and cuts the tax levy 2 percent.

Under the proposal, Clifton-Fine will cut spending from this year's budget of $9,124,556 to $8,907,059, a 2.4 percent decrease. The levy — the amount to be raised by taxes — will be reduced from $3,808,421 to $3,732,253.

Last year, Clifton-Fine slightly reduced spending and kept the tax levy stable.

Superintendent Paul J. Alioto said savings were achieved by the district business manager's careful review and the board's decision to make the budget reflect actual expenses.

The district's $6.3 million capital project, completed in November, saved the district money in several ways. Improvements in lighting, heat, windows and insulation cut the district's electricity bill by about $65,000.

It also increased the amount of building aid the district receives at a time when programming aid is being cut.

"Ironically, this capital project is now saving the district a significant amount of money and generating revenue," Mr. Alioto said. "Our net loss was reduced."

The budget also was reduced by a $130,000 decrease in debt payment for buses.

"We expect we'll have enough left over to pay off that note," Mr. Alioto said. "That's a multiyear savings."

Costs for services through the St. Lawrence-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services were lower than expected and there were savings through health insurance policy riders under which teachers pay more for medical co-pays and prescriptions.

The district will use about $500,000 from its fund balance and expects to have a similar amount next year to offset the levy.

The budget cuts one teaching assistant position that was included in the budget but wasn't filled.

The board may add a fifth-grade teacher, depending on enrollment figures, Mr. Alioto said. The average class size is 24 students.

The proposal will go to voters May 18.