Bus Buy to Be on MCS Ballot

MIDDLEBURGH - In addition to the 2026-27 budget, and new school board members, Middleburgh Central School officials plan to place a bus purchase proposition on the ballot in May.

MCS business administrator Robyn Bhend last Wednesday outlined a proposed bus purchase for the May 20 ballot.

The school bus purchase would have a total cost up to $523,000 as per the district bus replacement plan for four new buses.

The proposed bus purchase proposition includes:

* Two 48-passenger buses with luggage compartments, for $357,594.

* One 24-passenger bus with air conditioning, $115,703.

* One seven-passenger van, $49,700.

There would be a withdrawal from capital (bus) reserve of $35,324 and a resolution to move insurance proceeds to reserve in March along with the proposition to offset local share cost of buses.

Included in the proposed $25.999 million budget, are some recommended purchases for the buildings and ground department.

John Youmans, the head of the buildings and grounds department, spoke at last week's meeting about several items that are needed for next year.

The proposed purchases include:

* Ventrac attachments ▪ a vacuum collection system, $10,000; a sod cutter, $1,000; and a snow sweeper, $4,500.

* Tomcat Rival Disk stand up rider/scrubber, $11,350.

* DHB 420 hybrid floor scrubber deluxe, $4,700.

* Two sheet music cabinets for the high school band room, $5,800.

And if funds allow:

* Kubota RTV X2 Utility Vehicle, $17,650.

The total buildings and grounds equipment budget would be $55,000 (excluding Kubota, $37,350) compared to the 2025-26 budget of $80,509, a change of -$25,509, or -31.69 percent (excluding Kubota, -$43,159, or -53.61 percent).