Taxpayers overwhelmingly reject proposed budget for Ithaca City School District
ITHACA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Taxpayers overwhelmingly rejected the budget plan that administrators proposed for the Ithaca City School District’s upcoming school year.
The spending plan rejected Tuesday, May 21, came with a tax levy increase of 8.42% for taxpayers, down from 12.14% as initially proposed before the Board of Education trimmed nearly $2 million in proposed spending.
The total budget itself was increased by $10 million compared to previous years.
The budget was rejected 4,916 votes in favor to 2,059 against. A proposed capital reserve allocation and capital project were also rejected by voters.
With a failed budget, the district says it has two options: resubmit the same proposal or a revised one for a revote on June 18 or adopt a contingency budget without voter approval.
The district’s website reads: “If the ICSD adopts a contingency budget, the Board of Education will identify the expenditures deemed necessary to operate and maintain schools. The emphasis will be on those expenditures considered essential to maintaining an educational program, preserving property, and ensuring the health and safety of students and staff.”
Both budget propositions were also rejected, including a plan to buy electric buses.
The district’s Board of Education will meet Wednesday, May 22, to discuss next steps.
Proposition No. 1: Proposed 2024-2025 Annual District Budget
| YES: 2,059 | NO: 4,916 |
Proposition No. 2: Appropriation and Expenditure of Capital Reserve Funds
| YES: 2,980 | NO: 3,830 |
Proposition No. 3: Proposed 2024 Capital Project
| YES: 3,014 | NO: 3,919 |
The proposed budget for Newfield Central Schools, not far from Ithaca was also defeated Tuesday evening.
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