The 2019-20 school budget vote is Tuesday, May 21. Below are budget fast facts, a look at what else is on the ballot and some information about voting for residents.
Budget vote at-a-glance
When
7 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 21
Where
Fayetteville Elementary School, 704 S. Manlius St., Fayetteville
Proposed budget
$85,874,682
Proposed budget increase
$2,975,990; 3.59%
Proposed tax levy increase
$1,813,843; 2.94%
Estimated tax rate increase
0.24% or $6.21 on $100,000 of taxable value for a home in the town of Manlius
The school budget is the biggest investment the community collectively makes with its tax dollars. District leaders work to make the most effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner and to be accountable to taxpayers. Each spring the board of education adopts a budget for the coming school year for a community vote, which is held on the third Tuesday in May.
Board of education approves budget proposal; residents to vote May 21
What else is on the ballot?
- School bus purchase proposition: $675,137
- Fayetteville Free Library budget proposition: $1,859,060
- Manlius Library budget proposition: $1,345,223
- Three seats on the F-M Board of Education: Candidates include Elena Romano; Daryll Fitch Wheeler; Mark Vislosky
Who can vote?
In order to vote, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a Fayetteville-Manlius School District resident for at least 30 days prior to the May 21, 2019 vote.
Do I need to register to vote?
No, voter registration is not required.
Can I vote by absentee ballot?
To vote by absentee ballot, you must fill out an application. Contact the district office at 692-1221 to obtain an application.
If you want your ballot mailed to you, your application must be received by the district clerk’s office by 4 p.m. May 14. If you plan to pick up your ballot, your application must be received by the district clerk’s office by 4 p.m. May 20.
Absentee ballots must be returned to the district office by 5 p.m. on May 21.
What is the difference between the tax levy and tax rate?
The tax levy is the total amount of money a school district raises in taxes each year from all property owners in the district. Tax rates are calculated by dividing the total amount of the levy by the total taxable assessed value in a community. Tax rates are affected by changes in municipal assessments and state equalization rates, which are determined in the summer. The tax rate is used to calculate each individual property tax bill.
What is the tax levy limit, or tax cap?
The tax levy limit is the highest allowable tax levy (before exemptions) that a school district can propose as part of its annual budget for which a simple majority of voters (50 percent + 1) would be required for authorization. Any proposed tax levy amount above this limit would require budget approval by a supermajority (60 percent or more) of voters. The tax levy limit sets a threshold requiring districts to obtain a higher level of community support for a proposed tax levy above a certain amount.