Budget: The proposed operating budget is $13,531,421, up $35,574 from the 2018-19 default budget of $13,495,847. Should voters again reject the budget proposal, the default budget of $13,408,776 would take effect.
Increases in out-of-district costs for special education students as well as health insurance benefits for employees contributed to the uptick in the 2019-20 proposed budget.
The operating budget has an estimated tax rate of $19.16 per $1,000 assessed property value, $0.77 more than last year’s tax impact of the default budget. That’s an increase of about $154 more on a home valued at $200,000.
Noteworthy articles: The town will be asked to approve a four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Deerfield Education Association. The contract calls for a $173,878 increase in salaries and benefits in fiscal year 2019-20.
The warrant article has an estimated tax impact of $0.30. That’s an increase of about $60 more on a home valued at $200,000.
Voters will also be asked to set aside $75,000 in the facilities repair fund and $25,000 in the equipment and installation expendable trust fund. The warrant articles will not impact the tax rate.
When and where: The school district’s deliberative session will be held on Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Deerfield Community School. Ballot voting will take place on March 12 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Deerfield Town Hall.