Red Hook Central School District

No. We will receive state aid that will cover some of the proposed work. However, because some aspects of the projects will be up to the state’s interpretation for how they apply their regulations for granting aid, we would not want to prematurely promise a specific total to residents.

We believe much of the project will be eligible for aid, with the exception of renovation to existing bus barn, reimbursing roughly half of eligible costs. We won’t be able to be certain until the proposition is approved and project parameters are submitted to the state for review.

Our district has a strong track record of completing projects underbudget. This is because we build in estimated contingency costs in any project we propose, and, because we generally do not collect any money from residents until a project is completed, they do not pay for any padded estimates.

Our last major completed capital improvement project was budgeted at roughly $22 million but came in $4 million under budget, meaning taxpayers never paid the full amount they authorized spending.

No. These plans have been in the works for several years and are intended to accommodate the needs and safety of the transportation department as a whole. This project does not add additional charging stations. The electrical upgrades are intended to position the district for future uses should they be needed.

The age and condition of current facilities force the district to regularly pay for outside expenses and there are immediate repair needs. We’re currently renting a temporary lift as one built into the garage is broken, and a roughly 20-year-old lift regularly requires servicing. Plus, the longer a building goes without upgrades and repairs, the more costly addressing those needs will be in the future.

There are portions of the existing building that can still be of use to the Transportation Department. And, we would lose out on any state aid on the project, meaning the entire cost would fall on taxpayers.

Buses and vehicles of all types would be able to be serviced in the garage. However, just like gas buses, in which there are occassional complicated needs in which a bus may need to be sent to a service specialist for repairs, there are some specialized services in which an electric bus may need to be sent out for repairs.

How a driver spends their downtime is up to them. However, it’s probable a more comfortable breakroom would encourage drivers and mechanics to utilize it more often and be happier in the workplace. Districts across the region are experiencing a shortage of qualified and interested drivers and mechanics. Upgraded break and training spaces can only help Red Hook attract the best candidates.

No. Although propositions approved by voters in the last two years total a maximum of $1.7 million we were authorized to spend, the district has spent close to nothing to acquire its six electric buses. The district accessed a grant program offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and other state Education Department aid to purchase the six buses for roughly $13,000 each. Those buses are all under warranty, as well, and repairs they have needed or will need in the future are covered.