Voters in the Webster Central School District will vote Tuesday, May 19, on the $227 million annual budget that would raise taxes on Penfield and Webster residents, if approved.
The proposed 2026-27 budget represents a 3.1% increase over the current year, about $6.8 million. The rising cost of employee and retiree benefits is driving about half of the increase, jumping nearly $4 million over the current fiscal year.
The school district budget vote is 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 19 at Webster Schroeder High School gym at 875 Ridge Road in Webster.
With four towns represented in the district, there are a spread of assessed rates — with Penfield and Webster residents seeing a 1.08% and 2.31% increase, respectively.
Ontario and Walworth residents would see an 8.86% decrease, however. So on a $200,000 home in the respective towns, this is how much their tax bill would change:
As with many districts around the state, uncertainty on state aid with no budget finalized. State aid accounts for a third of all revenue for the district, which can have a significant impact on the final budget numbers — and final assessment rates.
“We are proud to present a plan that preserves academic and extracurricular programs for our 8,000 students, all while remaining tax cap compliant for the 15th year in a row,” said a statement from Brian Neenan, superintendent of schools, and Janice Richardson, president of the Board of Education. “This proposal was shaped by you; the feedback gathered during our January online survey was critical in ensuring the plan reflects the priorities of our residents, staff members and families.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Webster voters will decide the school budget — here are key numbers
Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
