MAHOPAC – When residents of Putnam’s largest school district go to the polls in May, a scorecard will be needed since not only will Mahopac voters be asked to approve a $148 million fiscal spending plan but a number of bond propositions as well.
The Mahopac Board of Education will be adopting the budget later this month that calls for a zero percent tax levy change as a result of reserve funds and increases in state aid.
Last May, Mahopac had the dubious distinction of being one of only a handful of districts statewide to have its budget defeated prior to resubmitting it when voters said ‘yes.’
In addition to the budget, residents will be asked to spend $1.6 million for new school buses and transportation equipment. Should that item be approved a third proposition will establish a capital reserve fund for additional purchases.
Proposition 4 asks for $12.5 million to fund building improvements district wide containing no tax impact while Proposition 5 would authorize an additional $8 million for additional upgrades including auditorium upgrades at Mahopac High School and playground replaces at the district’s elementary schools.
If the two items are approved, Proposition 6 would add $10.5 million in athletic and recreational improvements.
The Board of Education adopted all of the propositions but split on the final two with some trustees believing they were ‘gilding the lily.’
Should all propositions be authorized by voters on May 19, a property owner with a home assessed at $500,000 would pay $111 annually for the next 15 years.
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