Schools

Seaford Holds Budget Hearing A Week Before Revote

District officials outline details on revised spending proposal.

Tuesday evening’s budget hearing for Seaford’s revised spending proposal did not feature a huge crowd but some flyers left outside John Manso Auditorium indicate some vocal opponents still planning to vote no on June 21.

One flyer read, “They didn’t hear you the first time!” Another one said “can you afford to pay $650-$1,000 a year more property tax.”

Also included on the same table with the anti-budget flyers were materials containing facts about the proposed $54.9 million , which is $261,623 less than the budget voters on May 17. One of these facts pointed out is that if the proposal is defeated again on June 21, the difference in taxes for the average homeowner will be just $15 a year at $558 versus $543 on a contingency budget.

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Under a contingency budget, the district would be limited to a 2.26 percent increase and only able to spend funds on bare essential items. Under this scenario, the district would also be required to charge community groups to use its facilities.

The proposed budget voters will decide on June 21 is a 2.43 percent increase over the district’s current spending plan with an 8.35 percent rise in the tax levy. The budget plan voted down on May 17 was a 2.92 percent increase and a 8.99 percent jump in the tax levy, which is is the total amount that a district must raise in property taxes in order to meet expenses.

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Some of the speakers at the budget hearing indicated that the district may struggle in the revote because of the tax levy still being above 8 percent. Even on a contingency budget, Seaford would be faced with an 8.12 percent tax levy jump

“An 8 percent increase on top of last year’s 6 percent tax levy [increase] is a travesty for the people who are struggling,” said Seaford resident Wayne Smith.

Some of the cuts from the original budget proposal include $141,000 to middle school athletics, $68,000 in maintenance costs, $80,000 in technology, and $20,000 in security expenses.

The $141,000 cut to athletics means only the middle school sports fall season will be funded in the budget. The community could then raise the necessary funds for the winter and spring season if they choose.

Despite proposing a budget that is only $95,000 above contingency level, Seaford is faced with having a higher than usual tax levy this year due in large part to the district losing $1.5 million in state aid and $76,000 in revenue from the Seaford Avenue School where a Nassau County BOCES program ended their lease last year. Seaford also only has around $600,000 in reserves and tapping into those would jeopardize its bond rating with Moody’s Investor Services, according to district officials.

Voting on the revised budget proposal is scheduled for June 21 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at and


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