CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — There’s a school budget hearing tonight in Cortland. 

Superintendent Bob Edwards recently told WHCU the $61.6 million budget proposal for the 2025 to 2026 academic year includes a tax levy increase of 4.99%. The budget goes to a vote two weeks from today, May 20. This year’s ballot has a total of five propositions:

Proposition 1 – The District budget of $61,621,249. The District will be requesting a tax levy override with a 4.99% levy increase, which requires a 60% supermajority approval.

Proposition 2 – Purchase of one electric and three diesel buses. This is the ideal time to look into the purchase of one electric bus since the city is building a solar field next to the Kaufman Center and providing the district with one charger for free. The cost of the electric bus will also be the same as a diesel through some NYSBIP grant funding. On March 25 and 26, Matthews Buses provided training for our local Emergency Response officers.
Proposition 3 – Purchase of four diesel buses. This proposition will allow the district to continue its 5-year bus replacement schedule, only if Proposition 2 is not successful.

Proposition 4 – $7.7 million Capital Project. The scope of work for this proposed project includes full camera replacement in all school buildings, replacement of all PA systems in each school, the installation of an elevator at Randall Middle School, and the full renovation of the JSHS Upper Gym.

Proposition 5 – Cortland Free Library Budget of $473,724.

The budget hearing is part of tonight’s school board meeting, which starts at 6 p.m.