Hermon-DeKalb voters approve $14.4 million budget, elect two board members

On May 21, Hermon-DeKalb Central School District voters approved the district’s $14.4 million 2024-25 budget proposal, elected two board of education members and approved the purchase of one school bus and one van. The budget proposition passed 157 to 22.

District-related propositions

• A $14,420,973 budget for the 2024-25 school year that increases spending 1.11% ($158,522) and carries a tax levy increase of 2.99%: 157 yes; 22 no
• Purchasing one new 65-passenger school bus and one 8-passenger van at an estimated maximum cost of $250,000: 153 yes; 25 no

Board of Education Election

Five candidates sought election to two open board of education seats.

Both terms will last five years, expiring June 30, 2029:

• Michael Mac Cue (Incumbent): 94 votes (winner)
• Ronald Smith (Incumbent): 72 votes (winner)
• Rebecca Fenlong 56 votes
• Kiera Warner 56 votes
• Dale O’Donnell 41 votes

The terms all begin July 1, 2024.

Library proposition

Hepburn Library of Hermon tax collection, in the additional amount of $30,000 for a new total of $40,000 annually: 118 yes; 58 no
 
New York state education law allows libraries to place a funding proposition on school district ballots and requires school districts, at the libraries’ requests, to levy and collect taxes for libraries. The Hepburn Library of Hermon is a separate legal entity from the school district, with its own funding and budget.