School Budget and Voter Information
Hudson Falls residents consider a school budget proposal on the third Tuesday in May each year. Before the vote, the Board of Education will work with district and school leaders to develop a budget proposal informed by the district’s mission, educational goals, fiscal challenges, and opportunities.
The vote on the 2023-2024 proposed budget will take place on Tuesday, May 16. Polls will be open from noon to 8:00 p.m. in the Hudson Falls High School Gymnasium.
2023-2024 Budget Newsletter
(Note: Households will receive a copy via postal mail the week of May 1)
Proposed 2023-24 School District Budget Carries 0% Tax Levy Increase
2023-24 Budget At-A-Glance
Total Budget: $53,452,809
Budget Increase: $4,178,007/8.48%
Tax Levy Increase: 0%
Also On the Ballot:
-
- Two Board of Education Seats
- Bus Proposition: $450,000
- Capital Reserve Fund Proposition: $150,000
- Energy Performance Contract Proposition
BUDGET VOTE: Tuesday, May 16
Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at the HFHS Gymnasium.
Budget Hearing: Monday, May 8 – 6:45 p.m.
For information on how to get an absentee ballot call (518) 681-4124.
2022-23 Budget Vote Results
On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Hudson Falls Central School District residents voted on and approved a $49,274,802 proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year.
The budget, which has an increase of $2,947,075 or 6.36% over the current year’s budget, resulted in no increase to the tax levy. Therefore, the tax levy increase fell well below the New York State property tax cap of 3.64% for the district.
2022-23 Fast Facts
- Budget: 49,274,802
- Budget to Budget Growth: 6.36%
- Tax Levy Increase: 0% increase
- Bus Proposition: Four Vehicles/ 90% NYS Aid
- Capital Reserve Proposition: $250,000
- BOE Candidacy: Two Seats/ 5-year terms
Budget Goals
- Provide Transparency/Communication
- Maintain High Expectations
- Include Priority Improvements
- Grow Positive Culture
- Support w/ Professional Development
Questions and Answers
Q: How would the proposed budget affect my taxes? Is it within the cap?
The District is presenting its voters with a 0% tax levy change in the proposed 2023-24 budget. The New York State eight-step property tax levy limit formula for Hudson Falls allows for a maximum tax levy increase or “cap” of 4.15% in 2023-24. The 0% tax levy change in the Board of Education’s proposed budget plan will not only respond to the community’s needs at
this time, but preserve and enhance student programming.
Q: What is included in the proposed budget?
The proposed budget maintains all programming, and in many cases enhances programs for our students.
Q: What is an Energy
Performance Contract?
An Energy Performance Contract (EPC) allows schools to make energy-
efficient improvements without the need for increased taxes. The $3.1
million debt neutral proposition on the May 16 budget vote, will use New York
State building aid and energy savings for the project, and provide positive
revenue for the district, amounting to roughly $92,000 per year.
Business Office and Tax Collector
The Business Office conducts the day-to-day business of the school district, including internal services such as payroll, health insurance benefits coordination, and external services such as accounts payable.
Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
The Business Office undergoes an independent auditor’s review in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. The results of the current year in comparison with the prior year can be found in the:
Hudson Falls Central School District 6-30-22 Audit Report
Hudson Falls Central School District 6-30-21 Audit Report
Property Taxes and Exemptions
Visit the state Department of Taxation and Finance’s STAR credit page for more information.
New York State Funding Transparency Forms
Please visit the Division of Budget for more information on school funding allocation.
What is a tax cap?
New York places restrictions on how school districts (and municipalities) may increase their tax levies. It requires at least 60% voter approval for a school budget if the proposed tax levy increase exceeds a threshold, known as the tax levy limit, which is unique to each district and calculated using a state formula.
Although often referred to as a “2% tax cap,” the law does not, in fact, restrict any proposed tax levy increase to 2%. The New York state comptroller released a report on “three years of the tax cap” in 2015 (PDF), and its 2014-15 data showed that of the state’s 700 school districts:
- 38 had a tax levy limit equal to 2%, but only when rounded.
- 363 had a limit greater than 2%.
- 69 had a limit less than 1%
ARP-ESSER Funding Draft Plan
This spring, both the federal government and New York state released requirements for school districts that are receiving money through the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER).
The draft ARP-ESSER plan can be found here.
If you have any questions or feedback regarding the plan, please email questions@hfcsd.org.
