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North Salem School Budget Has 0.31 Percent Drop In Tax Levy

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. -- The proposed 2014-15 North Salem school budget, which goes before voters on Tuesday, May 20, includes less tax revenue than for the prior year, with a decrease in the tax levy of 0.31 percent.

The school election and budget vote will take place at Pequenakonck Elementary School On Tuesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The school election and budget vote will take place at Pequenakonck Elementary School On Tuesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo Credit: File Photo

The levy would fall by $114,322, from $36,528,169 for 2013-14 to $36,413,847 for 2014-15. The lower tax levy revenue is offset by increases in other types of revenue, such as the Westchester County sales tax.

In the district's news letter, the lower levy is attributed to several factors.

“Factors instrumental in holding expenses to a minimum include savings from the new contract with the North Salem Teachers’ Association, stabilization of pension costs and a decrease in health insurance costs.”

Overall, the proposed budget is $40,391,988, an increase of $203,316, or 0.51 percent.

Some key data, however, is not yet available. The tax rates will not be available until August, according to the newsletter. The rates are linked to what people pay in  towns of North Salem and Somers, parts of which are in the school district.

In addition to the budget, voters are asked to decide on a proposition to create a facilities improvement reserve fund, which would be up to $1.5 million and last for a decade. In the newsletter, the district compares the fund to a savings account, noting the contrast to paying principal and interest when funds are borrowed.

The voting, which also includes elections for two school board seats, will take place at Pequenakonck Elementary School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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