HERE IS THE SKINNY ON THE BUDGET AND WHAT IT WILL MEAN IF IT IS PASSED:
• The tax cap for 2022-2023 year will not be pierced if current budget is approved.
• The total estimated revenue from our taxes for the 2022-2023 year is $34,984,100. Our district received an extra $1,4513,203, in tax revenue for 2022-2023 year. Of that figure, $26,461,559 is spent on the program component of the budget. This includes teacher salaries, instructional classes, music, art, wings, parent university, textbooks, special ed, supplies, art supplies, equipment, computers, science supplies ect... this is an increase of $907,969 from last year. Remember an extra 4th grade class is being added to Fayette to address overcrowding. District is also determining added extra classes at Camp. The administrative costs which include salaries for Dr. Seniuak, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Carder, Mr. McDaid, Ms. Freidman, and administrative staff increased total $4,592,618.00. This is an increase of $62,997.00.
• Budget increased total $1,354.588.
1) Administrative costs are increasing 1.39% for 2022-2023.. While this is lower than 2019-2020, CRONM continues to question why a three elementary school district requires $4,592,618.00 to be spent on Administrative Costs. We are still waiting for a clear cut answer on how the extra 2 million received in COVID funding from 2020 to now, was used and if this is reason costs increased 1.39%.
2) The Program component of the budget will increase 3.55%. We were excited to see an extra $907,969 in the budget toward extra classroom(s) and extracurricular activities.
3) Capital Budget increased 8.37% or $383,622 for a Capital Component Total of $4,965,871.00. The increase Includes the transfer to capital of $239,000 for repair/replace Camp Ave roof, repave outdoor basketball courts district replace exterior door to stage at Camp Ave, replace Camp Ave gym lighting with efficient LED fixtures, replace exterior boiler room, HDF, replace two pairs of exterior doors on front elevation of HDF, repair and repoint masonry at HDF, and repair/replace indoor insulation & waterproofing membrane on rooftop ductwork at Old Mill Road.
4) Health insurance and overall insurance for District employees continues to be a rising cost and challenge. While this is not just a North Merrick issue. CRONM has asked the BOE on several occasions how they plan to address this growing cost and there appears to be no plan in place.
A big thank you to Mr. McDaid for his work on the Budget and willingness to answer Resident questions both at these meetings and via email or office visits.
Overall, while most of the 2022-2023 budget is being spent on programs, we continue to watch and voice concern about the fiscal challenges that face our 3 school district and how the Board and District plans on addressing the expanding Administration and health insurance costs.