BOMBAY -- Taxes will remain the same in the proposed 2008-09 budget at Salmon River Central School, even though spending is up nearly 7.5 percent.

Being the poorest district in the state is contributing to the positive news, according to one school official.

The overall proposed spending plan is $24,097,974, an increase of 7.44 percent from this year.

But the tax levy -- the amount to be raised by taxes -- will stay the same as 2007-08 at $1,802,659.

The tax rates per $1,000 of assessed property value will also go unchanged.

In Bangor, it will be $14.49 per $1,000; in Bombay, $382.53; in Brasher, $13.60; Fort Covington, $15.30; and in Westville, $14.22.

District Business Manager Dr. Christopher Nye said the School Board is pleased not to have a tax increase.

The irony is, that's possible because Salmon River has the distinction of being the poorest school district in New York state, he said.

"Our wealth-index ratio is at the bottom of the list, but it works in our favor as far as state aid. We have to take the positive with the negative."

Salmon River, like most other school districts, is adding plenty of extra money to line items, such as electricity and fuel, in anticipation of increased expenses next year.

He said the School Board added $104,000 for fuel and $40,000 more for electricity over this year.

A public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium.

The voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the auditorium.

Two five-year seats on the School Board are up for re-election this year; they are currently held by Emily Lauzon and Judith Stark. Lauzon is running for re-election unopposed, while Stark is being challenged for her seat by Matthew Mainville.

A two-year unexpired term for the seat formerly held by Corrina Bero is also up for election. Two candidates have come forward for that position: Sue Ellen Jacobs and Shannon Nye.