Buses, Board Members, More on MCS May Ballot

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh school voters will face a crowded ballot when they go to the voting booths on May 21.

In addition to the 2024-25 budget, voters in May will be casting ballots on a bus purchase proposition, based on the district bus replacement plan, There will also be a new reserve account proposed for the future purchase of electric buses, which are more expensive than gas or diesel buses and a repair reserve proposition for $200,000 would also be on the ballot, along with two school board seats.

Voters will be asked to vote on a bus purchase proposition to buy buses totaling $488,000. The final cost will be reduced by state aid and trade-in sales of buses that are being replaced.

The repair reserve fund would total $200,000 and the funds would be taken from the 2023-24 fund balance. It would be used for repairs of capital improvements or equipment. The repairs cannot recur every year.

The capital reserve fund proposition for the future purchases of buses and vehicle would ask voters if they want to set up an account for up to (eventually) $2 million. The fund would earn interest and be used for the purchase of electric buses and charging stations in the future. Electric buses, which could be mandated by the state within 13 years, are much more expensive than current gas and diesel buses.

Board member Becky Binder noted that electric vehicle technology is changing constantly.

School business manager Robyn Bhend said that new electric buses cost more than $400,000 and districts will be getting state aid over 12 years instead of the current five years.

The districts may be getting less aid and a reserve fund is needed, Ms. Bhend added.

The time schedule for the electric bus mandate may be flexible, but the district has to be prepared.

Superintendent Mark Place said the reserve fund may allow the district to purchase the more expensive buses without an impact on the tax levy.

"That's our goal," he said.

Officials noted that the costs for the buses are "going up and up." In addition, the range of electric buses is not enough for such a large district as Middleburgh.

One board member noted that other districts may need to use the charging stations for their electric buses so they can return to their districts when they visit for sports events.