Council Gets Glimpse of School District Budget

By Randy Koniowka

Cohoes Schools Superintendent Robert Libby and other district officials presented their proposed budget to members of the public and the Common Council in a workshop last night at City Hall.

The 37,767,093 dollar budget calls for a 3% tax increase for city property owners. However, Superintendent Libby stated that the current figures are based on Governor David Paterson's budget and that the State Assembly is proposing to restore 700 million dollars to education. "3% is the highest the board wants to go," said Libby. "We are also in a holding pattern of sorts right now until we know what the final budget may look like."

Libby also stated that the building projects currently underway have not contributed to any increase in taxes. "Our building projects have been done with state money, they have not led to any increase for the property taxpayer."

The district will officially unveil it's budget to the public tonight at 6:30, at the Cohoes Middle School.

Also discussed last night was the Van Schaick Island Park project. The proposal calls for adding two additional tennis courts to the park along with reconstructing the basketball court, adding more green space, and discontinuing Continental Avenue between Myrtle and Van Schaick Avenues. Van Schaick Avenue would also be discontinued between Continental and Park Avenues to provide for safer access between the pond and playground areas.

Under an agreement still being worked out by attorneys for the District and the City, the School District would have use of the facility for tennis tournaments and for daily recess activities. City residents would also have regular use of the facility, with the District maintaining that section of the park.

Mayor John McDonald thinks it's a win win for everyone. "The District would be using the park during the daytime hours when traditionally, the park does not get much use by residents. It also alows for a much overdue upgrade to the playground equipment that we would not otherwise been able to do this year."

City and School District officials hope to being construction when the school year ends in June and have the project completed by September.