Archive: News

Now that the dramatic Presidential election has drawn to a historic close Lansing voters are likely relieved to not have to worry about voting again for some time.  But that relief is short-lived as the Lansing School and Fire Districts each plan a vote next Monday and Tuesday.  Lansing's school district will ask voters to approve two capital projects Monday and the fire district will be holding its regular annual December election Tuesday.

On Monday voters will be faced with two propositions.  If passed the first will grant permission for the district to spend $410,509 of New York State EXCEL funding alloted to Lansing to purchase a new roof for the elementary school.  That project will actually cost $1,568,000, but with additional state aid and $180,000 of capital reserve fund money the roof will be installed with no additional tax money.


The second approves a $6,455,000 energy savings contract.  The idea is that the school district spends $6,455,000 to upgrade equipment to newer, more energy efficient models.  The money saved in running the equipment, heating and cooling the schools, ect. is estimated to come to $5,669,000.  When state aid is added to the equation the school district stands to save $2,474,000.

The energy savings contract is a done deal that does not require voter approval.  But if voters do approve the project it becomes eligible for 10% more state aid, raising the estimated savings to the district by another half million dollars.  Like the first proposition, the school district is not asking for additional tax monies.  Both projects are planned at zero additional cost to taxpayers.

Although Proposition #1 authorizes the schools to levy taxes if needed, Superintendent Stephen Grimm says he will scale back or cancel the project before asking for more tax money.  Business Administrator Mary June King says that if the project is not approved it is likely the district will loose the EXCEL money in light of the state's financial woes.

On Tuesday voters will elect two fire commissioners and a fire district treasurer.  Robert Wagner is running for a third term as fire commissioner.  Normally only one commissioner is elected for a five year term each year, but due to the resignation of Kimberly Spencer a second will be elected to fill out her three remaining years.  Kristie Oplinger and Michael M. Day are running for the position.

	See Lansing Town Deputy Supervisor Connie Wilcox's editorial on the upcoming Fire District election.

The Fire District Treasurer is a three year term.  George J. Gesslein is running for a second term.  He is challenged by Debra C. Milliman.

The school vote is Monday from 7am to 9pm at the Lansing/Groton Teacher Center in the Raymond C. Buckley Elementary School.  The Teacher Center is in the same wing as the new district offices, and an open house is also planned that evening.

The fire district vote will be held at Lansing Central Station at 80 Ridge Road Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm.

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