Budget down in Hornell

[Rams15]

Im not sure yet, what the vote count was, but sports which was included ( I believe ) as a separate item was voted down this evening in Hornell. I do not know if this will be or can be put up for another vote ( like standard budget procedures ) or whether the board will approve a fundraising campaign to support all sports ? Very interesting and sad development. Unfortunately, this is one sign of the budgetary woes across the state. Maybe someone from Hornell can clarify.

[UNCTarheels]

Budget news: What amounts to the "winner" for horror story of the day related to Tuesday's school budget votes comes from Hornell, home of the state's three-time defending Class B football champions.

As voting by residents was in progress, the school board increased the budget for the turf replacement (http://www.eveningtribune.com/news/x364595649/Hornell-stadium-needs-new-sub-surface)at the high school stadium by up to $372,000 because inadequate drainage was found as a construction crew ripped out the existing artificial turf during a project to install Field Turf.

The stadium project, part of a $52.7 million construction package OK'd in 2008, is now budgeted at $1.5 million, a number that includes contingencies according to The Evening Tribune.

What it doesn't cover, however, is the athletic budget that was shot down by voters Tuesday. Though the base budget of $32.9 million for the upcoming school year sailed through with 67.7 percent of the vote, the separate proposition for athletics and other extracurriculars fell short of the 60 percent super majority required. Slightly more than 55 per-cent of votes cast were in favor.

“It is almost undemocratic,” (http://www.eveningtribune.com/features/x2047353588/School-districts-report-budget-vote-results)school board President Paul McAnany told the paper. “We got a clear majority, but the cards were
stacked against it.”

The super majority was required because the proposed increase in the tax levy exceeded the state's new 2 percent cap. Rather than risking having the entire budget fail, the school board went the route of separate propositions.

At the moment it appears it could be left to boosters and fundraisers to some up for the $468,100, which would also fund field trips. The district can put the proposition before voters one more time, but will have to educate voters as to why the money cannot come out of the budget funding the stadium renovations -- easier said than done in most places.-John Moriello's Blog (http://www.newyorksportswriters.org/blog/index.shtml)

[coachstew]

Has anyone heard anymore on this?? Heard a rumor they may be losing several sports. Basically about everything but football, basketball and track.

[UNCTarheels]

http://www.eveningtribune.com/features/x1898612022/Hornell-Prop-2-will-be-reduced-put-back-before-voters

[exlaxer78]

http://www.eveningtribune.com/features/x1898612022/Hornell-Prop-2-will-be-reduced-put-back-before-voters

"The major question facing the school board right now is "how do we change no votes to yes votes?" asked School Board President Paul McAnany."

I think the interesting statistic here would be how many normally "Yes" voters may have not come out to vote at all? You know the "No" voters are typically passionate about the shooting down a budget vote. Now they need to rally some support. I would expect record numbers at the polls next time.

My money is on a successful modification of the proposal, a reasonable tax levy increase, and getting a super majority to say "YES"! The whole State of NY is watching this development. Good Luck to the Hornell Sports supporters.

[farmer]

"The major question facing the school board right now is "how do we change no votes to yes votes?" asked School Board President Paul McAnany."

I think the interesting statistic here would be how many normally "Yes" voters may have not come out to vote at all? You know the "No" voters are typically passionate about the shooting down a budget vote. Now they need to rally some support. I would expect record numbers at the polls next time.

My money is on a successful modification of the proposal, a reasonable tax levy increase, and getting a super majority to say "YES"! The whole State of NY is watching this development. Good Luck to the Hornell Sports supporters.

I agree . the sports fans of hornell will all come out and vote yes.I wonder the budget for the new football field passed. but the sports budget did not. why!!!

[skibum83]

The capital project funds for the current building project which includes the replacement of athletic field (physical education station+athletic field) were approved by voters in 2008. These funds may be used for construction only. These funds are not available to be used for sports, teachers, or anything else. Let's hope the next vote is successful for the kids