School budget votes, BOE elections set for Tuesday
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

Across New York Tuesday, voters will cast ballots on scores of proposed budgets for school districts, as well as candidates for school board seats. Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m.

In the Haverling school district, school officials have drawn up a $30.3 million budget that will raise school taxes by 2 percent for the 2008-09 school year. Separately, school board member Rosalie Niemczyk is running for reelection, with Bath resident Donnette Wager challenging her for the seat.

Residents in the six towns comprising the school district would see a variety of tax impacts because of widely fluctuating assessment rates.

According to the state Department of Real Property Services, property in the Town of Bath is assessed at 54 percent of its actual market value; property in Avoca, Urbana and Wheeler is assessed at its full market value.

As a result of the differences, property owners may see the following tax bills, based on property assessed at $50,000.

For senior citizens receiving the enhanced STAR benefit:
Avoca: $0
Bath: $739
Cameron: $337
Howard: $509
Urbana: $0
Wheeler: $0

For all other residents receiving the basic STAR benefit:
Avoca: $346
Bath: $1,085
Cameron: $683
Howard: $855
Urbana: $346
Wheeler: $346

Elsewhere in central Steuben County, the Hammondsport school district will present a $12 million budget for public vote. The tax levy is expected to rise by less then half a percent. Incumbent school board member James Zimar is running unopposed for reelection

Residents of the Prattsburgh school district may even see their tax bill go down, as school officials expect a significant increase in state aid. The district will put a $8.25 million budget up for vote. Incumbent school board member Bruce Barrows is running unopposed for re-election.

Residents of the Campbell- Svona school district also are expected to see a decline in the tax rate, based on a budget of $18.5 million. Two candidates are running for one five-year term on the school board: Margaret adding and Michael Cotter.

In the Avoca school district, residents will vote on a $11.4 million budget that will increase the tax levy by 2.5 percent. School board member Rachael McLoud is running unopposed for reelection.