Wynantskill residents get presentation on possible Gardner Dickinson merger with Troy

In front of a crowd of 30 residents, the Wynantskill UFSD presented a consultants conclusions from a study commissioned to explore options to address what was called a "grave fiscal crisis" facing the district. It was the first of 4 such presentations being offered to provide Q and A with residents and an overview of our finances.

The district has about 5 million in debt and last year was forced to appropriate 424 thousand of its fund balance to keep its tax rate under the 2% state cap. That budget passed leaving a gap in this year's revenues and the possibility of a 6 1/2 proposed property tax hike in 2026. To approve a hike that high, 60% of voters must approve. 

Tax increases of 5 to 6 percent are likely over each of the next 3 years if the merger is not approved. That's basically a 30% increase when compounded.

The district's enrollment is down which reflects a larger senior population than a decade ago.

A merger would infuse 241 million in state aid into the combined district if approved by Wynantskill voters. Troy residents cannot vote on the proposal. There is a pledge by Troy to keep our buildings open and to continue allowing current students a choice of high schools which has added nearly 800 thousand in additional tuition expenses since approved 20 years ago.