Westhampton Beach, Hampton Bays School Budgets Pass

WESTHAMPTON-HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The public has spoken, and the results of the school budget votes and Board of Election results are in.

Westhampton Beach Union Free School District

Voters approved the Westhampton Beach Union Free School District's budget by a huge margin of 448 to 99.

The Westhampton Beach Union Free School District's budget for 2017-2018, $56,072,052, reflects a 1.86 increase and a 2.82 percent tax levy increase. The budget does not pierce the state-mandated tax cap.

The Westhampton Free Library budget passed, 360 to 185.

In the Board of Education race, candidates Dawn Arrasate, Kathleen Theune, and Tabitha Spizuoco vied for one open seat. Arrasate was elected with 264 votes; Theune received 154, and Spizuoco, 111.

Hampton Bays Union Free School District

The Hampton Bays school budget vote passed easily by a vote of 713 to 237.

A proposition for a capital reserve fund for repairs and/or upgrades to facilities and grounds also passed, 740 to 209.

A proposition to replace the high school roof passed 713 to 232.

The proposed 2017-2018 $50.8 million budget reflects a 1.77 percent budget-to-budget increase and a 1.52 percent tax levy increase and does not pierce the state's tax cap.

In addition to the typical annual propositions, voters were asked to consider a bond for a full roof replacement at the high school.

"Over the last seven years, we have made a number of important improvements to the campuses, and maintaining them is a priority. Today, the 'youngest' portions of the high school roof are 21 years old. In 2011, the community approved a Roof Reserve and, to date, the district has saved nearly two thirds of the cost of the project. Therefore, a separate proposition, for a bond not to exceed $2.14 million, will be on the ballot to partially fund the roof. Funding from the Roof Reserve will provide the remaining $3 million for the project. The roof replacement is anticipated to take place in the summer of 2018," said Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen.

Hampton Bays Board of Education member Dorothy Capuano ran unopposed for her seat; she was elected with 853 votes.