HEUVELTON — School Superintendent Susan E. Todd on Wednesday unveiled a $12.5 million budget proposal for 2013-14.

The proposed budget increases spending by $443,889 over this year and includes a 2 percent increase in the tax levy to $3,015,596.

Under the 2011 state property tax cap, Heuvelton Central School District may raise its tax rate up to 5.97 percent without requiring the budget to pass with 60 percent of the vote.

The budget, however, still will have to plug a $131,340 shortfall before it is finalized. The Board of Education will meet March 15 to discuss it.

Board member Thomas A. Nichols said he hopes the state will kick in additional aid money before its budget is finalized by April 1. Currently, Heuvelton is expecting $7.17 million in state aid, up from $6.91 million this year.

Board Vice President John P. Zeh said, “I wouldn’t hold your breath for more funding.”

Next year’s proposed budget also includes $932,879 in appropriated fund balance, the same amount as this year’s budget.

Mrs. Todd said Heuvelton did not need to use any money from its appropriated fund balance in the 2012-13 budget.

The budget includes one reduction in staffing because of the retirement of a full-time employee who will be replaced with a half-time employee.

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