To the Editor:

The following letter was sent to the members of the Potsdam Board of Education:

I read with interest the documents provided to you regarding the tax rate and fund balance in anticipation of tonight’s BOE meeting. Not surprisingly, there was over $1,000,000 more left over from the 2012-13 budget than you were told there would be when the spending plan for 2013-14 was being developed and put before the voters.

The bottom line was a four percent tax levy increase that was asked of the taxpayers, at a time when salaries remain stagnant, county taxes increased significantly and expenses for food and fuel continue to increase.

Tonight you will be asked to set the tax rate. You will be told that, because of the increase in the total assessments, most taxpayers will pay the same or lower taxes as last year. I ask you to consider reducing the recommended tax rate by reducing the total tax levy at least $454,098.

This is the amount of increase from last year’s levy to this year’s. It is not possible to increase the spending plan and reinstate positions, so this is the best alternative. It is my opinion that the public was asked to agree to that tax levy increase under false pretenses and, since you have so much money left over from last year’s budget, it is the right thing to do.

Sandra Morris

Potsdam