Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Budget for 2008-09 School Year

Lansingburgh residents overwhelmingly approved the district’s $36.6 million budget for the 2008-09 school year in voting done Tuesday.

The new budget, which carries a tax levy increase of 1.1 percent, passed with 491 votes in favor and 223 opposed.

Voters also selected incumbent Allen Macey to maintain his position on the district’s Board of Education. Macey’s victory of 456 votes to 229 for challenger Victor DeBonis, was to fill a five-year term.

“We believe this to be a reasonable budget,” said Superintendent George Goodwin. “We were able not only to maintain current programs, but enhance current ones as well while still being sensitive to the burden of taxpayers.”

The school tax bill increase to homeowners varies depending on equalization rates and the STAR program, with average increase per homeowner estimated to be $14.33.