School Budget Update: No Need for November Referendum Vote

Although the currently shows an increase that comes slightly above the state mandated 2 percent cap, it does not mean that there will be a need for the public to vote via referendum in November, according to Dina Messery, business administrator.

Messery explained that the state does allow for increases for things like health benefits and enrollment increases along with spending within the 2 percent cap therefore this budget does come within what is allowed by the state. 

Boards that elected to like Hasbrouck Heights, also eliminated the need for public vote on budgets that come within the 2 percent, requiring them to put up the excess spending amount up for referendum in November.

Messery said that this will be not be the case with this budget and all details will be revealed at the March 28 public forum where Dr. Mark Porto, superintendent, will give a full presentation on what is proposed.

Last Thursday the approved a tentative budget with a tax levy of $23,357,971, about a 3.6 percent increase over the 2011 budget. The board had to submit the tentative budget to the county for approval. While it’s in this review process, the board can not share details of the budget until it receives approval, Messery explained.

Editor's note: A which indicated that a vote in November was expected has since been updated.