Voters Approve 2018-19 Budget
On May 15, 2018, Catskill Central School District voter approved the 2018-2019 school district budget. The budget totals $41,793,028 and carries a 4.61% spending increase from the previous budget. The tax levy increase is 3.03%, which is under the State’s allowable tax cap. The budget passed with 312 yes votes and 229 no votes.
Budget Documents
Dr. Cook’s 2018-19 Budget Concept Paper
Presentations on 2018-2019 Budget
Budget Presentation – Public Hearing – May 2, 2018
Budget Workshop Presentation – April 17, 2018
Budget Workshop Presentation – March 6, 2018
Budget Workshop Presentation – February 15, 2018
Property Tax Cap Information
Contrary to popular belief, the NYS Property Tax Cap does not cap tax increases at 2 percent. Instead, public schools must use a state formula each year to determine the amount they can increase their tax levies by without having to seek a higher percentage of voter approval for the budget. This threshold is usually different each year and may be above or below 2%. The district must determine its tax cap number and submit it to the state by March 1st of each year.
Catskill’s Tax Cap for 2018 was 3.86%
If the year-to-year increase of the District’s tax levy (portion of the school budget funded by property tax) is at or below the number determined by the formula (the “cap”), a simple majority (50% + 1) of voter approval is needed to pass the budget. If the District puts before voters a budget that carries a tax levy increase above the number determined by the formula, a super majority (60%) of voter approval is needed for the budget to pass.