By Mike Schnitzel
"We heard that last time there wasn't enough communication, so we made an effort to get out more information before the vote," said Hodrinsky. Despite the $208,000 in cuts made to the budget that was rejected by voters on May 17, there was still uncertainty about the outcome. "We were optimistic about our last budget proposal, so it's still too soon to tell," said Lison.
In order to trim the budget, 6.5 kindergarten aide positions were cut, the planned hiring of two additional library media aides was scuttled, and there were cuts in capital projects, equipment and supplies.
The revised budget proposal passed by a vote of 1,489 to 1,268, and it was an ecstatic and seemingly renewed Lison who spoke in a telephone interview the next morning. "I'm on top of the world," she said. "Our PTA, staff and teachers worked so hard to get this budget passed, and it was amazing to see our community pull together. Now we can move forward with our programs."
Residents' emotions were mixed during voting hours on Thursday. Across the street from the Wheeler Avenue School, three young children and parents stood holding signs with such pro-budget sentiments as "A vote yes is a vote for children" and "Aren't I worth 16 cents a day? Vote yes." Patty Farrell, a mother who was among the sign-holding group, said that the demonstration was her son's idea. "I was at the budget meeting last week and I told him what could be taken away, and he got upset," she said. "He came up with the idea to come here today and hold up signs, because we support the budget and we support our kids."
Some residents who supported the budget did so reluctantly, concerned with ever-escalating costs. "No matter how high it goes, we're forced to vote for it because it impacts the kids," said resident Frank Rosetti.
Many residents told of facing tax burdens that were becoming unmanageable. "My sense is that we're so overtaxed that it's killing everyone," said one resident, Sal, who would only give his first name. "The junior and senior high schools need to shape up. We can't make our ends meet anymore. We're thinking of leaving this town."
Seniors citizens, many of whom are on fixed incomes, were also very concerned about tax burdens that some considered crushing. "We moved into this school district 4 1/2 years ago, and I've seen an increase of about 114 percent in my school taxes since then," said Leonard Scalisi.
"They're chasing all seniors out of New York state," added his wife, Rose.
Despite all of the concern, ultimately it was concern about the future of the community's children that occupied the minds of residents. "Despite the tough fiscal times, you have to vote for the bigger picture, which is the kids' futures," said resident Ben Mevorach.
The budget proposal carries a tax increase of just under $153 for the average homeowner, an increase of about 6 percent. The new budget calls for a $34.1 million spending plan, which is an 8.66 percent increase over last year's budget.
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