SHERBURNE – With only a handful of district residents in attendance, “shameful” was how the public hearing held last Monday for the proposed Sherburne-Earlville Central School’s budget for next year was described.

“I’m very surprised to see not more people involved in this. It’s shameful,” said Ken House of Poolville, referring to the district’s proposed $28,975,880 budget.

Voters will have the opportunity to accept or reject a 1.99 percent tax hike on Tuesday as well as vote in three candidates to fill three vacant positions on the district’s board of education. Newcomer Daniel Piliero of Earlville will join incumbents Thomas Morris and Patrick Dunshee on the ballot to fill the seats.

Stephen Bodnar of Palmer Road, Sherburne, who also spoke at the hearing, said he has watched as industry and agribusiness have left the district, taking along much of working population, but leaving behind taxes to be paid by those who remain.

“The only one left is me, the homeowner,” he said. “We’re on a real thin line here. If I can’t make it, this school system is going to crumble.”

Bodnar advised the district’s board of education to find ways to lower the tax rate, and said he was concerned about affording the $25.2 multi-year capital building project currently underway.