OBSERVER FILE PHOTO At least 1,800 votes were cast in Fredonia Central School’s capital project vote Friday.
Voters have spoken. The Fredonia Central School District’s three-part proposal for the capital project was not acceptable to the community.
Voters approved the initial proposal regarding the district’s maintenance needs by a vote of 980-768. But when it came to the needs of the music and athletic departments, the community balked at the cost.
Suggestion 2, “Investing in music students” It was rejected with 1,044 votes against and only 701 votes in favor. Suggestion 3, “Updating facilities for student athletes” It was rejected by a vote of 1,235 to 510.
Proposition 1 would have required $22.1 million in maintenance work. Proposition 2 called for a $10 million commitment to enhance music spaces. And Proposition 3 called for $19.6 million in work to the athletic facilities, including the installation of a multi-purpose turf field.
If all three proposals pass, they would impose a tax increase approaching 10 percent on district taxpayers. The order of later proposals was conditional on the passage of earlier proposals. That is, Prop. 2 first required Prop. 1 to pass, and Prop. 3 required Prop. 1 and 2 to pass.
Instead, only Proposition 1 would pass, imposing a 1.9% tax increase on taxpayers to cover the district’s maintenance needs.
Tax impact is defined by the school district as follows: “One dose increase”beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026. The amount that increased during the year was “Stays the same” It then remains as a dedicated portion of your annual tax bill for the expected 17-year repayment period.
Voters filled the cafeteria at all hours of the day and night, often lining up out the door to make their voices heard. On Friday night, just after 9 p.m., the high school boys basketball game went into overtime, and the result was known.
In the basketball game, the Hillbillies defeated Falconer 58-55 in overtime, but it was the only big win for the athletic department Friday night.
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