Proposition to establish reserve fund also on ballot
New York state law requires all schools to transition entirely to zero-emissions vehicles by 2035. Additionally, districts will no longer have the option to purchase diesel-fueled buses as of 2027.
With that in mind, ODY is presenting residents with two separate propositions related to transportation during a public vote on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from noon to 8 p.m.
Proposition 1 is the purchase of one (1) electric school bus at a cost not to exceed $450,000. The district was awarded $200,000 through the EPA’s Clean School Bus rebate program to put toward the purchase. The remainder would be paid through $189,000 from ODY’s Bus/Transportation Reserves combined with $61,000 from the general budget. This would result in no impact on local taxes.
To meet the deadline to receive the EPA funding, ODY is required to hold a public referendum in September, even though the bus purchase would occur in the 2025-26 school year.
If voters approve Proposition 1, it would deplete the district’s current reserve for transportation. Proposition 2 is to authorize the creation of a new capital reserve fund not to exceed $600,000 over 10 years for future purchases of school buses and vehicles for district transportation. The capital reserve is a separate account funded by annual transfers of unexpended operating funds, and would not increase local taxes. Funding from the reserve cannot be spent without public approval.
Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote on Sept. 24.
Thanks to everyone who joined us on Sept. 18 for an informational Q&A to learn more about the electric school bus proposition before casting your ballots.