AFTON — Voters in the Afton Central School District will be voting on a proposed budget of $10,216,749 for the upcoming school year, said Superintendent Elizabeth Briggs. This reflects a 4.8 percent change from the 2002-03 budget of $9,748,930, she said.

If approved, this will require a 7.99 percent increase in the tax levy, she said, from $2,718,228 in the current year to $2,935,456 for 2003-04. The main reason for the increase, she said, is the decrease in state aid of $36,000. To meet budget goals, she said, a number of cuts were required. This includes two teachers and two aides, as well as a cut in summer school hours, reading and enrichment programs. Cuts in sports and a restructuring of special education were among some of the other steps taken because of reduced state aid, she said.

For the school board, John Masse is running unopposed for another five-year term.

There is also a school bus proposal on the ballot, she said. The budget hearing was May 20.

Unatego

WELLS BRIDGE — In Unatego Central School, the proposed budget for 2003-04 is $15,305,740, said business manager Nick Rosas. This is a 9.15 percent increase from the current budget of $14,023,053 this year, he said.

The proposed tax levy calls for an increase of 8.38 percent, he said, from $4,365,018 this year to $4,730,899 in 2003-04, Rosas said.

Several factors contributed to the increase, he said. This includes a $376,000 reduction in state aid, and an increase in amounts to be paid for health insurance and teacher and employee retirement systems. The district is proposing cuts in program to offset the revenue cuts, he said.

The board of education reduced the number of its members from nine to seven for the upcoming year, so although there are four terms ending, there are only three positions to be filled, Rosas said.

The only person who is on the ballot running for another term is Tom Sears, Rosas said. The other two openings will probably be determined by write-in votes, he said. Other members with terms expiring and not running for re-election are Ron Hull, Eleanor Crowley, who is retiring after 30 years on the board, and Mike Kinsella, Rosas said. The budget hearing was May 20.