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Budget

Budget 2024-25

This page provides links to current and past budget and tax information.

Voters approve budget and capital reserve referendum; elect two to BOE

Central Valley School District voters went to polls on Tuesday, May 21, and approved the district’s proposed 2024-25 school budget. The budget passed with 90.2 percent in favor. Voters approved a referendum to establish a $7 million capital reserve fund. Voters also elected Jim Kramas and Rick Virkler to three-year terms to the board of education. 

The $60,586,365 budget increases spending by 11.80 percent or $1,987,951 over the current year and carries no tax levy increase.

The final count was:

  • Yes— 313
  • No— 34

The $7 million capital fund will address future maintenance and repairs.

The final count was:

  • Yes— 302
  • No— 37

Voters elected Jim Kramas and Rick Virkler to the Board of Education. The final count for each candidate was:

  • Jim Kramas — 204
  • Rick Virkler — 187
  • Travis M. Phillips — 176

Below is the information provided to residents prior to the budget vote

The proposed budget carries no tax levy increase

On Tuesday, May 21, residents of the Central Valley Central School District will go to the polls to vote on the district’s proposed $60,586,368 budget for the 2024-25 school year. The proposal would increase spending by 3.39 percent or $1,987,951 from the current year. This would result in no change in the tax levy. The proposed levy is less than the district’s tax levy limit and will require a simple majority for approval.

Budget highlights:

  • A reduced share of the Herkimer BOCES capital project ($2.1 million),
  • Increased BOCES program costs ($1.1 million),
  • Purchase of two new school buses— one 66-passenger and one 38-passenger ($275,000), and
  • Normal year-to-year increases in salaries, benefits, and materials

($1.5 million).

No tax levy increase

“For the sixth time since the merger in 2013, there is no proposed tax levy increase,” said Business Administrator Jim Humphrey.

“We can point to two factors that have allowed us to remain fiscally stable. First is the board of education’s long-term view of merger incentive aid. From day one, they committed to investing our aid in areas that extended its value. Second, the state is working to meet its obligation to fully fund schools according to its foundation aid formula. New York seems to be making a serious attempt to narrow the funding gap between those districts with a strong tax base and those without.”

Budget includes state-funded project

The budget includes a $100,000 state-funded capital outlay project to replace the CVA Fitness Center floor. New York State provides school districts 98 percent aid to pay for smaller projects. These projects do not require separate voter approval.

Voters to weigh establishing Capital Reserve Fund

In addition to the annual school budget, residents will vote on a referendum to establish a $7 million capital reserve fund.

“This fund will be used to offset the local share of future maintenance and improvements,” said Humphrey.

“Roofs age, driveways crumble, sidewalks crack, flooring wears, and HVAC units grow old. Our goal is to set money aside now and establish a plan for keeping our facilities safe and in good repair. A good plan will help avoid a sudden tax increase in the future.”

Key numbers – 2024-25 budget

  • Total spending—$60,586,365; up 11.80 percent percent or $1,987,951 compared to the current year
  • Tax levy—$8,800,000; 0 percent increase
  • Board of education election—three candidates are running for two seats. Rick Virkler, Travis M. Phillips and Jim Kramas will appear on the ballot.

Voting by Absentee/Early Ballot

There are four steps to voting by absentee or early ballot:

  1. Apply for an absentee/early ballot at the District Office, Weber Ave., Ilion, NY or by calling 315-894-9934.

  2. Return completed applications to District Clerk Stacey Gurtowski at the District Office:

    • No later than 5 p.m. on Tue., May 14 to receive a ballot by mail or

    • No later than 5 p.m. on Mon., May 20 to pick a ballot in person.

  3. Carefully complete your ballot according to the instructions, being certain the sign and seal the envelope.

  4. Completed ballots—whether mailed or delivered in person, must arrive at the District Office no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21.

Board of Education candidates

Three candidates are vying for two open seats. Candidates will appear on the ballot in the following order:

  • Rick Virkler
  • Travis M. Phillips
  • Jim Kramas

Required budget information

Required budget information online—New York State law requires that school districts post certain budget information online for the public to review. Below find PDFs of each required report. If you have any trouble accessing the information in the PDFs, please contact the district business office at 315-894-5000, press 6. Copies are also available from the district office.

Paying your tax bill

Early in September, Herkimer County prints and mails Central Valley CSD’s property tax bills. Taxes must be paid in full and are due no later than Oct. 1. Taxes paid after Oct. 1 are subject to a 2 percent fee. Taxes may be paid by mail or in person.

  • To pay by mail, make checks payable to Cherri L Hyer, Central Valley CSD Receiver of Taxes and mail to:

Cherri L Hyer
Central Valley CSD Receiver of Taxes
PO Box 160
Mohawk, NY 13407

  • To pay in person:

66 E Main St, Mohawk, NY
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Phone: 315-866-0500
The office is closed Labor Day and Columbus Day.

Thank you community!

A message from Superintendent Jeremy rich

As we reflect upon the strength and unity of our community, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support. Your commitment to our school sports programs, academic initiatives, and the arts is nothing short of inspiring. Time and again, when called upon to contribute to school and community fundraising efforts, you have risen to the occasion, demonstrating an incredible generosity of spirit.

Beyond the everyday, in moments of adversity and loss, it is heartwarming to witness our community, rallying together to support families in need. Your compassion and solidarity make our community a place of hope and resilience.

In an era marked by political divisions and differing beliefs, it is truly comforting to know that our community remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting one another, transcending religious and political boundaries. We are privileged to live in such a close-knit community where kindness, understanding, and unity prevail.

Please know that your contributions, whether big or small, do not go unnoticed. They are the threads that weave the fabric of our community, creating a tapestry of strength, compassion, and mutual support.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being the pillars of our community and for making it the wonderful place that it is. Your continued support is the cornerstone of our success, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you.

With heartfelt appreciation,

JR