No Tax Increase for Woodhull Expansion if Residents Approve
There’s a reason why the Huntington School District’s debt is one of the lowest on Long Island. Trustees have consistently been tightfisted when it comes to spending in general, especially paying for renovation and reconstruction projects.
The district has a long tradition of utilizing currently existing monies set aside in capital reserve accounts to pay for renovation and construction projects. This has allowed the district to avoid large bond issues and the accompanying debt and interest expenses. A review of the district’s financial statements shows a relatively low level of long-term debt that is rapidly being paid off.
It’s against this backdrop that residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, August 24 to cast ballots on a special capital project referendum. The vote will take place in the Huntington High School lobby from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Residents are being asked to approve the release of $2 million from the district’s Building Improvement Fund for renovations, repairs and the construction of an addition at Woodhull School.
“Passage of the proposition will not increase taxes,” Superintendent John J. Finello said. “The district already has the money to pay for all work related to the project.”
Residents voted 1,737-790 to create the Building Improvement Fund in May 2008 and authorized the transfer of up to $2 million in any given year as may be available at the end of each fiscal year from June 30, 2008 through June 30, 2016. The ultimate amount is capped at $10 million plus any interest earned. Residents must give permission before the district actually begins a project.
Huntington School Board President Bill Dwyer explained that the funds represent monies “the district has been able to accumulate over the past few years through sound fiscal management practices and it has been placed in a reserve account for the specific intent of capital improvement projects. Because this money already exists, a vote in favor of the proposition will have no impact on local property taxes. It simply gives the district permission to use the money for the stated purpose.”
Burton Behrendt Smith, the Huntington School District’s architectural and engineering firm, has estimated construction costs at Woodhull of approximately $250 per square foot. Such an estimate would allow for construction about 6,250 square feet of space, including a connecting corridor, six new classrooms and a new set of restrooms for boys and girls.
“As we continue to respond to the needs of our school community, it has become apparent to the Board of Education that expanding the available instructional space at Woodhull is a wise move and as such the capital reserve proposition was approved unanimously by the Board,” Mr. Dwyer said.
If residents approve the capital reserve proposition on August 24, the district intends to quickly move forward with the project. Architectural plans have been developed and will be submitted to the State Education Department for its approval.
The tentative proposed budget for the work includes:
- $1.565 million for construction of additional space.
- $185,000 for design and construction contingencies to handle unexpected items.
- $125,000 for architectural and engineering fees.
- $100,000 for the installation of new electric service throughout the building.
- $25,000 for inspections, testing, printing, etc.
For more information about voting or casting an absentee ballot, contact Elizabeth Troffa, Huntington’s district clerk, at 673-2126.
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