Voters approve 2021-22 budget
Duanesburg voters on May 18 approved a $17,885,000 budget by a vote of 217-65, a margin of 77%.
The spending plan will enhance academic programs and supports the district’s strategic plan with a 1.82% year-to-year spending increase and a property tax levy of 1.95%, which is below the district’s state-calculated limit, or “cap.” The budget also continues athletic programs and accelerates the district’s educational technology plans with more devices for students and enhanced equipment in classrooms.
“This honors the district’s responsibility to the community to use its resources as effectively and efficiently as possible while also focusing on academic excellence,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Niedermeier. “We are grateful for the community’s support for this spending plan, which allows the district to continue to create an academic program that positions all students to be successful and productive members of society, whatever their chosen path may be.”
Residents also approved by a vote of 207-75 a school bus referendum to purchase two 30-passenger buses and one 71-passenger bus at a cost not to exceed $242,000 total. The measure allows the district to replace aging buses and minimize maintenance costs.
Key Points
- DCS will continue all existing student programs and support services in the 2021-22 budget.
- The year-to-year spending increase amounts to $320,000, or 1.82%. Further spending increases were reduced through operational efficiencies and an administrative reorganization.
- The district is balancing the budget through a combination of fund balance, state aid and property taxes. The proposed budget includes a tax levy change of 1.95%. This is below the tax cap of 4.45%.
- Federal stimulus money is not included in the 2021-22 spending plan. Stimulus funds will not be used for ongoing costs.
Learn More
Superintendent Dr. James Niedermeier and Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Rivenburg gave bimonthly budget presentations to the Board of Education during the budget development process:
- View the Feb. 9 presentation
- View the Feb. 23 presentation | Watch the Feb. 23 board meeting
- View the March 9 presentation | Watch the March 9 board meeting
- View the March 23 presentation | Watch the March 23 meeting
- View the April 13 presentation | Watch the April 13 meeting
2021-22 proposed budget snapshot
Total Budget: $17,885,000
Total Budget Change from 2019-20: $320,000, or 1.82%
Tax Levy Change from 2019-20: 1.95%
Tax Levy Limit (“Cap”): 4.45%
2020-21 budget snapshot
Total Budget: $17,565,000
Total Budget Change from 2019-20: $200,000, or 1.15%
Tax Levy Change from 2019-20: 1.9%
Tax Levy Limit (“Cap”): 5.11%
2019-20 budget snapshot
Total Budget: $17,365,000
Total Budget Change from 2018-19: $215,000, or 1.25%
Tax Levy Change from 2018-19: 0
Tax Levy Limit (“Cap”): 0.44%
School taxes
Tax bills are mailed in early September, with payment due by Oct. 9 without penalty. After that date and until Nov. 2, a 2% penalty is charged. Payments can no longer be made on the website after Nov. 2.
You can access your tax bill information online.
Tax payments can no longer be made in person at the DCS Central Office.
New York State School Tax Relief (STAR)
For questions regarding STAR Exemptions, contact the STAR Program directly at 518-457-2036.