BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

CANTON — Canton Central School may raise taxes by 6.5% as the district faces a $1.1 million budget gap.

If approved by voters, the proposed $42,699,343 budget would result in a $258,000 jump in the tax levy, bringing the total amount to be raised from taxes to $11,820,319.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive budget plan includes proposed huge cuts in Foundation Aids to schools.

Foundation Aid for Canton was reduced $600,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, according to Superintendent Susan Todd.

Canton’s calculated tax cap is 8.92% this year, Todd said “However the board felt it would be difficult to ask the district taxpayers for that amount of a tax increase.”

Board members settled on a 6.5% increase following debate at a Feb. 15 budget workshop. They discussed balancing the needs of students, while being fiscally responsible to taxpayers, Todd said.

The tax rate for 2024-25 would rise to $25.55 per $1,000 of assessed value.

For a homeowner with an assessment of $175,000 that would be an increase of $272.94 in taxes. When including STAR reductions they would pay about $226.15 more per year. 

Senior homeowners with advance star would pay about $145.98 more per year.

“Even if state legislators are successful in pushing back on the Governor’s plan, Canton will still find itself with several hard decisions to make prior to finalizing its budget for the 2024-2025 school year,” Todd said.

Estimated total expenses for the next school year for Canton Central are $42,699,343.  This estimate includes cuts in three teaching staff members: two elementary and one middle.

“The district will continue to brainstorm how to reduce expenses while still maintaining a high-quality educational program for the students at Canton Central School,” the super said.

Canton expects $35,060,413 in revenue; $5,500,000 in estimated applied fund balance, $981,915 in estimated reserves; which leaves a $1,157,015 gap.