Rome City School District unveils revised budget

ROME, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The Rome City School District unveiled its revised budget proposal on Friday, just over a week after its original budget failed by just 24 votes.

The revised budget — released in a newsletter on Friday, May 29 — is approximately $165.3 million and has cut approximately $173,000 from the budget. The tax levy increase was reduced approximately .4%, to 2.5 percent.

In the days following the vote, Board members have heard from many residents regarding the issues facing our schools and community," Rome City School District Board President Sue Carvelli said in a statement. "We understand these concerns and recognize that many households are managing difficult financial decisions. As a Board, we take this feedback seriously and remain committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars."

The revised budget removed one position that would have been established had the budget passed, as well as $16,000 worth of Human Resources initiatives.

The full revised budget will be presented at a hearing on Tuesday, June 2 at 409 Bell Road in Rome. The district warned that if this budget does not pass — according to New York State Law — it must adopt a contingency budget.

The contingency budget would require another $1 million in additional cuts. It would also make significant staff reductions, including two teacher positions, an assistant position and a security personnel position — all positions planned for next year.

Also included in the contingency budget's reductions were security equipment purchases, recruiting initiatives and a roadway repair project behind Rome Free Academy. There would also be a reduction in the local share of the lease of the former Rome Catholic school — which has been closed for the last two years.

The district further warned in its budget newsletter that the adoption of a contingency budget could create a significant budget gap for next year's budget as well. Consequences could include additional staffing reductions and program adjustments.

Voters will be able to cast their ballots on Tuesday, June 16, from 11 am to 8 pm at the following locations:

First and Second Wards: at Clough Elementary School on Bell Road. Third Ward: at the Rome City School District Office on West Dominick Street. Fourth Ward: at Gansevoort Elementary School on West Liberty Street. Fifth Ward: at Strough Middle School on Laurel Street. Sixth Ward: at St. Paul's Church on Bedford Street. Seventh Ward: at Copper City Community Connection on East Locust Street. Eighth and Ninth Wards: at Stokes Elementary School on Turin Road. Tenth Ward: at the Westernville Library on Main Street in Westernville. Absentee Ballots can be requested through the district, but must be returned to the offices on West Dominick Street no later than 5 pm on Tuesday, June 16.

You can read the full newsletter below:

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Rome City School District unveils revised budget

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