Lancaster School Budget Hikes Tax
Posted on: Tuesday, 13 May 2008, 21:00 CDT
By Barbara O'Brien
Lancaster School Superintendent Edward J. Myszka outlined the five versions of the proposed budget Monday night, starting with the first phase that would have increased spending 11 percent and taxes 13.6 percent.
In comparison, the one going to voters next week would raise spending 6.75 percent, while the tax rate would go up 2.49 percent.
"Preparing this budget has been a challenge," he said during the budget hearing at Lancaster High School.
One resident -- the only one to speak during the sparsely attended public hearing -- said the School Board should have gone further. Those in the private sector must set priorities and make sacrifices in these economic times, said Lee Chowaniec of Lancaster.
"The school district, on the other hand, is getting record state aid and yet wants the taxpayer to pick up the difference," he said.
He asked if the record aid to school districts included in the state budget is guaranteed.
"No district in New York State is guaranteed, no municipality, no township, is guaranteed state aid," the superintendent said.
He recalled the 1990s, when the state was in the midst of another budget crunch and cut state aid in the middle of the school district's budget year. Lancaster had to cut nearly $700,000 that year to account for the loss, he said.
"Right now, the indications are the state will be able to meet its obligations," Myszka said.
But Chowaniec still expressed dismay at spending.
Voting is next Tuesday.
e-mail: bobrien@buffnews.com
Originally published by NEWS STAFF REPORTER.
(c) 2008 Buffalo News. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Buffalo News
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