OBSERVER file photo At least 1,800 votes were cast Friday at the Fredonia Central Schools capital project vote.

The voters have spoken. The Fredonia Central School District’s capital project three-part proposal was too much for the community to stomach.

The voters approved the first proposition — pertaining to maintenance needs of the district — 980-768. When it came to the music and athletic department needs, however, the community balked at the cost.

Proposition 2, “Investing in our music students,” failed by a vote of 1,044 against and only 701 in favor. Proposition 3, “Updating facilities for our student athletes,” was denied by a vote of 1,235-510.

Proposition 1 called for $22.1 million of maintenance work; Proposition 2 called for $10 million of work to enhance music spaces; and Proposition 3 called for $19.6 million of work to athletic facilities, including the installation of a multi-purpose turf field.

If all three propositions were to pass, a tax increase just shy of 10% would have been imposed on District taxpayers. The later propositions in order were contingent upon the earlier propositions passing, meaning that Proposition 2 first required Proposition 1 to pass, and Proposition 3 required Proposition 1 and 2 to pass.

Instead, only Proposition 1 passed, meaning a 1.9% tax increase will be imposed on taxpayers to cover the district’s maintenance needs.

The tax impact is defined by the District as a “one time increase”, beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The amount increased that year would then “level off” and remain as a dedicated portion of the annual tax bill for the anticipated 17 year repayment period.

All throughout the day and into the night, voters filled the cafeteria, often forming lines out the door to make their voices heard. Friday night, at just past 9 p.m., as a high school boys basketball game entered overtime, the results were revealed.

The Hillbillies won the basketball game, 58-55 in overtime over Falconer, but that was the only big win for the athletic department Friday night.