BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

NORWOOD — Norwood-Norfolk Central School’s $29.2 million 2024-25 budget increases spending by 1.3% but includes no increase to the tax levy for the sixth consecutive year.

“Our tax per assessed $1,000 is $19.06 for 23-24 and is at a 22-year low,” James Cruikshank, NNCS Superintendent said.

He said there is no change in the tax levy, which is $6,534,756 for next year.

The budget increase is $375,263, or 1.3%.

Cruikshank said the school plans to add a mechanic, who will also have some driving duties; as well as a part-time nurse.

NNCS has levied the same amount from local taxpayers since the 2018-19 school year.

Voters will be asked to approve a budget in the amount of $29,113,112 and budgetary provision for other purposes in the amount of $111,093 for a total of $29,224,205.

Cruikshank said the provision for other purposes is so the district can take the aid from last year’s bus purchases and place that directly into its bus reserve.

“Meaning, the aid we receive on bus purchases goes directly back into buying future buses.  Ultimately, this will ease any future burden on taxpayers,” he said.

Proposition 2 would authorize a purchase of three student transportation vehicles not to exceed $417,469.

Proposition 3 lists the three incumbents running for our Board of Education: They include Robert Barlow, James Dillon, Stephen Markum.

The public is entitled to write-in a candidate, if they choose to.

Voting takes place on May 21 from 12:30-8 p.m. at the school in the district boardroom.

BRASHER FALLS CENTRAL

BRASHER — Brasher Falls district voters will be voting on a $31.6 million budget that raises taxes 2.2%.

The total increase in the tax levy is $118,642 and the total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $4,536.027.

For a home fully assessed at $100,000, the increase in taxes before the STAR exemption would be $3.54 per month or $42.42 for the year. The previous five year average tax increase for our district has been .942% (less than 1%).

Proposition Two will ask voters to approve the purchase of three school buses and one student transportation vehicle not to exceed $604,681. The state pays 90% of the cost of the buses, and with trade-in value of older buses, the total cost will be $558,181.

Proposition Three would authorize the creation of a Capital Reserve for future capital projects in an ultimate amount not to exceed $2,500,000, with a probable term of 10 years; and to authorize the Board to pay into the fund in the 2023-24 school year and annually thereafter. The goal of this fund would be to finance the remaining cost of all projects that are not aidable by the state, over the next ten years. The approval of this fund would ensure that taxpayers pay nothing extra in their taxes to keep our buildings and grounds up to where they need to be.

There are two vacant five-year seats up for grabs. Candidates include incumbent Julie Carvel-Liberty, Catherine ‘Cathy’ Henry, Lance Moulton, Lance St. Hilaire, and Sue Anne Hourihan.

Voting takes place on May 21 from 1-8 p.m. in the middle school gym.

MADRID-WADDINGTON CENTRAL

MADRID — Madrid-Waddington Central district voters will be voting on a $20.9 million budget that raises taxes 2.87%.

The total increase in the tax levy is $137,517.

The budget is 1.3%, or $261,793 higher than last year, school officials said. There will also be propositions for diesel and electric school bus purchases.

“This is a very modest increase as we continuously look for cost containment measures while still providing a robust educational program for our students,” said Eric Burke, superintendent. “Although health insurance costs continue to rise we are very appreciative of the cooperative relationship we have with our unions as we work together on strategies that help mitigate health insurance premium increases.”

A vote for a capital overlay project not to exceed $100,000 will be voted on. The project would go toward new windows in the elementary wing.

Voters will be asked to okay the purchase of one 72-passenger bus and one 24-passenger bus.

There are two Board of Education seats open this year. Two incumbents, Bruce Durant and Robert Smith, are seeking reelection. Voting is May 21 from 1 to 8 p.m.at the school.