Budget 2023-24

This page provides links to current and past budget and tax information.

Proposed levy increase is 0.86 percent

On Tuesday, May 16, residents of the Central Valley School District will go to the polls to vote on the district’s proposed $58,598,417 budget for the 2023-24 school year. The proposal would increase spending 11.80 percent or $6,183,657 from the current year. This would result in a 0.86 percent increase in the tax levy. The proposed levy is less than the district’s tax levy limit and will require a simple majority for approval.

The major spending increases are:

  • The district’s share of the Herkimer BOCES capital project to be paid using district fund balance ($3.3 million),

  • Increased student enrollment in BOCES services ($1.4 million),

  • Two new 66-passenger school buses ($275,000), and

  • Normal year-to-year increases in salaries, benefits and materials

    ($1.1 million).

Levy increase remains below inflation

Despite increased expenses and a projected 2023 inflation rate of more than 6 percent, the district’s proposed tax levy increase is $75,000 or 0.86 percent.

“The proposed levy remains below the combined levies of Ilion and Mohawk prior to the merger 10 years ago,” said Business Administrator Jim Humphrey.

“In fact, this is the first tax levy increase in three years. Allowing for changes in assessments and equalization rates, a person who paid $1,000 in taxes this year would pay an additional $8.60 next year.”

Budgeting for the future

District officials strive to keep the merger’s promise to provide students with educational opportunities and protect local taxpayers. That requires building budgets that meet current and future needs. Those budgets avoid using merger aid and fund balance to pay for programs that would have to be cut if the funding disappears. Instead, the district stretches every dollar by paying up front for programs and projects that are eligible for state aid. New York then reimburses Central Valley up to 85 percent of the expense in the future.

Key numbers – 2023-24 budget

  • Total spending—$58,598,417; up 11.80 percent percent or $6,183,657 compared to the current year

  • Tax levy—$8,800,000; 0.86 percent increase

  • Board of education election—two candidates are running uncontested for three seats. Incumbents Jonathan Boucher and Travis Costin will appear on the ballot.

Required budget information

Required budget information online—New York State law requires that school districts post certain budget information online for the public to review. Below find PDFs of each required report. If you have any trouble accessing the information in the PDFs, please contact the district business office at 315-894-5000, press 6. Copies are also available from the district office.

Paying your tax bill

Early in September, Herkimer County prints and mails Central Valley CSD’s property tax bills. Taxes must be paid in full and are due no later than Oct. 1. Taxes paid after Oct. 1 are subject to a 2 percent fee. Taxes may be paid by mail or in person.

  • To pay by mail, make checks payable to Cherri L Hyer, Central Valley CSD Receiver of Taxes and mail to:

Cherri L Hyer
Central Valley CSD Receiver of Taxes
PO Box 160
Mohawk, NY 13407

  • To pay in person:

66 E Main St, Mohawk, NY
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Phone: 315-866-0500
The office is closed Labor Day and Columbus Day.

Our facilities—an investment in the future

In many communities, schools are the centerpiece. They host athletics, the arts, and community events, and represent the promise of the next generation. Schools are a source of community pride.

“That is a big reason we focus on our facilities,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Rich.

“When our students, families, or visitors step foot on our school grounds, we want them to say, ‘we are proud this is ours.’ We want new families to visit and to imagine themselves living here.”

Making that happen requires a commitment to maintaining and improving Central Valley facilities. The district has made significant renovations in its first 10 years, but the work is never finished.

There is a lot at stake. Central Valley’s facilities—school buildings, sports fields, bus garage, parking lots and driveways—are valued at more than $130 million.

Keeping up is 24-7

“We say it all the time, schools are like people’s homes; they need constant upkeep,” said Mr. Rich.

“Over time, roofs leak, blacktop crumbles, and structures slowly decay. Keeping them safe and looking good is never-ending. But we know that the repairs and updates we make today will pay dividends down the road.”

The district takes a three-prong approach to facility maintenance.

First, is routine upkeep to avoid serious problems. The facilities staff keep buildings clean, maintain the grounds, fix leaky faucets, and conduct preventative maintenance. They constantly watch for the first sign of a problem.

Second, are small projects that are included in the general budget or paid for with special grants. These have included things such as converting lighting to energy-efficient LEDs and technology upgrades.

Third, are capital projects. These are big projects that require the district to borrow money and must go before the voters for approval. These might include major repairs or building improvements. Officials often combine multiple smaller projects in a larger capital project to take advantage of favorable state aid reimbursement and to complete the work in a shorter period of time.

MORE INFORMATION

2022-23 Budget – 2022-23 budget publications, required and general information

2020-21 Budget – 2020-21 budget publications, required and general information

2019-20 Budget – 2019-20 budget publications, required and general information

Glossary of Budget Terms – definitions of terms used in the budget process

Tax Info Online – search school tax bills for any property in the school district