Good news for Port Jervis
Port Jervis. School district budget includes no tax increase.
Dr. John Bell, Superintendent of Schools for Port Jervis City School District, delivered good news for taxpayers regarding the 2025-2026 budget.
In his April 28 presentation at the common council meeting, Bell announced that this will be the fifth year in a row where there is no tax increase with over $82 million of improvements completed in the last 4 years.
This year is the first time the budget has surpassed $100 million, it totals $103 million. There is a $49.9 million capital project planned for the high school and middle school campus for electrical and HVAC upgrades. All classrooms in the district will have air conditioning when the project is completed. The state is paying $39 million for the upgrades leaving the $10 million to be paid with funds already earmarked for the work.
The school district will be buying 11 1/2 acres of the Joyland junkyard property in Deer Park and one acre in Port Jervis. The Port Jervis land will connect all of the school campuses as it is next to Glennette Field. The plan is to create a paved path, with lights and security cameras, to keep students and staff from leaving school grounds when travelling between campuses. This will be an $850,000 purchase with no tax impact.
The Port Jervis Police Department is still working with the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force to combat gang violence. The task force requested an officer be designated to collaborate with them part-time in New Windsor one or two days a week. Any overtime work for the officer would be paid by the task force up to $19,372. Council approved the drafting of a formal arrangement between the agencies..
Elks Brox Memorial Park will be the site of the Jim Faggione Jr. Midnight Madness Endurance Relay. The event involves teams of one to four people racing around a three-mile course in an effort to complete the most laps between 6 p.m. May 31 and 6 a.m. June 1. The fundraiser benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and groups that promote a healthy lifestyle. More information can be found at the website pjmidnightmadness.com.
Flagship Cinemas in Monroe is providing Orange County veterans the opportunity to attend a free screening of the movie “Warfare.” The concessions are also free. Those in attendance will receive popcorn and a drink for no charge. The film will be shown on May 7 at 1 and 6. For reservations call 845-291-2470.
This year’s property tax lien sale will be held Nov. 18.